5 Things Every Oklahoman Should Know About the New Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines
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Nobody circles a colonoscopy on the calendar with a smile, but that one appointment could save your life. Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers doctors can stop before it starts, or cure when they find it early. Even so, too few Oklahomans get screened. And doctors are finding this cancer in younger adults more often than ever before.
The message is simple, said OU Health colorectal surgeon Dr. Steven Carter, M.D., FACS, associate professor of colorectal surgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Screening saves lives, and more people should take advantage of it.
Here are five things every Oklahoman should know about today's screening guidelines.
1. Screening should begin at age 45 for most adults.
One of the biggest changes in recent years is the age to start screening. Adults at average risk, meaning those without a strong family history of colorectal cancer, should now begin at age 45 instead of 50.
Doctors made that change for a worrying reason. More younger adults are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, both across the country and here in Oklahoma. Most cases still happen in older patients, but Dr. Carter said he now sees people in their 40s, and even their 20s and 30s, with the disease.
2. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard, but there are more screening options than ever.
Many people are surprised to learn how many screening choices exist today. Colonoscopy remains the most effective test, Dr. Carter said. The exam not only finds cancer, it can prevent it. During a colonoscopy, doctors can find and remove small growths called polyps before they ever turn into cancer.
Other screening options include:
- Stool-based tests, such as Cologuard®
- Annual FIT (fecal immunochemical test) screenings available through primary care providers
- Newer blood-based screening tests, including SHIELD™
Blood tests may offer another choice for some patients, but Dr. Carter said colonoscopy and stool-based tests work better. Still, he stressed that any screening beats no screening at all.
3. A family history may mean you need screening even earlier.
Not everyone follows the same screening timeline.
If a close family member had colorectal cancer at a young age, you may need to start screening earlier. A common rule is to begin 10 years before the age when that family member was diagnosed. For example, if your mother was diagnosed at 50, your screening may start at 40.
That's why it’s important to know your family’s cancer history and discuss it with your primary care provider.
4. Don't ignore possible warning signs.
Screening is meant to find cancer before symptoms start. But some warning signs mean you should talk to your doctor right away.
Symptoms can include:
- Low iron, also called anemia, or feeling tired for no clear reason
- Rectal bleeding
- Losing weight without trying
- Changes in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhea
- Mucus in the stool
Younger adults sometimes brush off these symptoms or blame them on something minor. Dr. Carter said anyone with symptoms that will not go away should see a doctor instead of assuming they are harmless.
5. Screening is often easier and more accessible than people think.
Many people put off screening because they dread the prep or worry about the cost.
“If you’ve been putting off a colonoscopy because you’re worried about the preparation, it’s important to know that today’s prep is much easier than it used to be,” Dr. Carter said. “Many people have heard horror stories, but for most patients, the process is very manageable.”
Even better, insurance covers colorectal cancer screening for eligible adults starting at age 45. That means screening is free for many patients.
For Oklahomans who face barriers to care, Stephenson Cancer Center works with community partners across the state to increase awareness, distribute FIT testing kits and help connect people with screening resources.
Why It Matters
For many average-risk adults, a normal colonoscopy result may mean not needing another colonoscopy for 10 years.
“That long screening interval can give people peace of mind while helping us detect and prevent colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Carter.
While colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, having more options can help more people get screened. At-home stool-based tests and newer blood-based screening tests may provide an alternative for people who are unable to undergo a colonoscopy. Expanding access to screening is especially important for rural, underserved and minority populations, where barriers such as travel, time away from work or limited access to care may prevent people from being screened.
Whether someone chooses a colonoscopy, an at-home test or another recommended screening method, early detection remains one of the most effective tools for preventing colorectal cancer and saving lives.
Specialized Colorectal Cancer Care at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center
Stephenson Cancer Center is Oklahoma’s only National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center. Patients benefit from a multidisciplinary team of specialists, advanced treatment options and access to clinical trials, all working together to provide comprehensive colorectal cancer care.
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