One in 23 men and one in 25 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with screening. A colonoscopy is the only test that both detects and prevents colon cancer.
Colorectal cancer almost exclusively arises from polyps that develop on the wall of the colon or rectum, thus pointing to the key reason for screening and early detection: the earlier you detect and remove a polyp, the greater the chance of preventing any of those polyps from becoming cancerous. But even if actual cancer is detected during a screening, catching it early is critically important. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate of CRC is 90% when early-stage cancer is detected.
Since the 1990s, incidence of colorectal cancer has doubled in younger adults under the age of 50. Sadly, the death rate among young adults is also increasing. Studies have shown that only around 20% of early-onset cases can be explained by inherent factors. This points to a variety of lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use that are increasing the risk for many younger people but researchers continue to explore what other reasons might be at play.
Colorectal cancer screenings are now covered at 100% for those aged 45 and older via several private insurance providers (including UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Anthem Blue, and Aetna) due to a rise in colorectal cancer cases among the younger population. Previously, screenings were covered beginning at age 50. (The American Cancer Society recommends patients start regular screenings at age 45, or younger for those who have a family history of colon cancer.)
Request a screening today at one of our office locations throughout the Cary, Raleigh, Holly Springs, and Triangle region. We are committed to providing you with the most comprehensive quality of gastrointestinal care.
