As a family physician, I want to share important news that could save lives. Recent research from the American Cancer Society shows that more people between ages 45 and 49 are getting screened for colon cancer! As a result, more colon cancers are being found early, when they are easiest to treat. I like to tell my patients that colonoscopies find and excise colon polyps. It takes (most people) 10-15 years for a benign polyp to change to cancer. So, get your colonoscopy and have your colon polyps put in a jar!

Two large studies published in the medical journal JAMA found:

• From 2004 to 2019, the number of new colon cancer cases in people ages 45 to 49 went up about 1% per year
• After screening guidelines changed, the increase jumped to 12% per year from 2019 to 2022
• Screening in this age group rose by 62% between 2019 and 2023

Why this matters:

• Earlier diagnosis means better chances of a cure. Put that polyp in a jar!
• According to the American Gastroenterological Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians, finding colon cancer early often means it can be removed before it spreads. After it spreads, this may require chemotherapy or radiation or more extensive surgery.
• In many cases, doctors can find and remove precancerous polyps during a colonoscopy, stopping cancer before it starts

Common screening options:

• Colonoscopy: a doctor looks inside your colon with a small camera to check for polyps or cancer
• Stool-based tests: can be done at home and mailed to a lab; if results are abnormal, a colonoscopy is needed. I prefer my patients get colonoscopies!

Guidelines for screening:

• Adults at average risk should begin screening at age 45
• People with higher risk, such as those with a family history of colon cancer or certain genetic conditions, may need to start earlier
• Screening usually continues until at least age 75

Challenges we still face:

• People without health insurance are screened at lower rates
• Those with less access to education are also less likely to be screened
• Efforts are needed to make screening available to everyone

What you can do:

• If you are 45 or older and have not been screened, talk to your doctor
• Choose the screening option that works best for you
• Remember that screening can prevent colon cancer or catch it early, when treatment works best

I hope this helps.