Colorectal cancer screening may seem embarrassing, but remember, this test may help save your live. Colon cancer may be preventable, detectable, and treatable, if found early. 9 out of 10 people who have colorectal cancer will live for more than 5 years if they find it when it is still in an early stage. Start the conversation with your doctor with these questions:
- When should I be screened?
- Does it matter if one of my relatives had colorectal cancer?
- Which screening tests do you recommend for me?
- How often do I need to be screened?
- What’s involved in the test?
- Are there any risks involved?
- When and how will I get results from my test?
- Regular screening for colorectal cancer should begin at age 45. If you have risk factors for colorectal cancer, including inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of colorectal cancer, you might need to get screened earlier.