Colon Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need to Know About Screening and Prevention 

Colon Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need to Know About Screening and Prevention 

Also known as colorectal cancer, colon cancer begins with the development of small noncancerous growths. Known as polyps, these growths develop on the inner lining of the colon and can sometimes become cancerous.  

Because March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, now is an excellent time to think about screening and prevention. Colon cancer is highly curable when diagnosed early, and timely screening can help you identify issues before they lead to major health problems.  

When Should You Begin Colon Cancer Screenings? 

For most adults, colon cancer screenings should begin immediately after age 45. These screenings should take place regularly until age 75, at which point you and your doctor can decide whether to continue.  

How Often Should Colon Cancer Screenings Take Place? 

It typically depends on your health, risk factors, and the type of test: 

• Home stool tests (which entail taking samples at home with kits provided by your medical practitioner) should take place on a yearly basis 

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy, which looks for cancer in the rectum and lower portion of the colon, should occur every five years 

• Colonoscopies, which assess the health of the entire colon, should happen every ten years 

Which Factors Affect Testing Schedules and Frequency? 

People with a family history of colon cancer and/or polyps may need to be tested earlier than 45 and more frequently. Similarly, people with Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel conditions may be encouraged to undergo additional screenings.   

How Can I Lower My Risk of Colon Cancer? 

Adhering to your individual screening schedule is the best way to prevent colon cancer from developing. However, other healthy lifestyle choices can also help: 

• Drink alcohol in moderation 

• Maintain a healthy weight 

• Eat a nutritious diet 

• Avoid tobacco products 

• Partake in regular physical activity 

DrOwl: Your Hub for Important Health Information 

Did you know? Our healthcare app does more than securely and conveniently store medical records. DrOwl also provides access to reliable doctor-curated resources to help you better understand screenings, medical conditions, medications, and more.  

Get started today by creating an account. From there, you can begin uploading health data. And if you’d like to learn more about DrOwl’s features, please visit the website.