Cáncer colonrectal

Start getting screened at age 45 if you’re at average risk for colorectal cancer, and continue getting screened through age 75 if you are in good health with a life expectancy of 10 years or more.

Si tiene entre 76 y 85 años, hable con su proveedor de atención médica sobre si debe continuar con las pruebas de detección. Después de los 85 años, no debería hacerse pruebas de detección.

• A health care provider visually examines your colon using a procedural medical tool
• Done every 5-10 years, depending on the type of test
• Requires bowel prep, which cleans out the colon and enables a health care provider to visualize the lining
• May or may not require sedation, depending on the type of test
• Opportunity for prevention (colonoscopy) or early detection (all visual testing methods)
• Any abnormal results from a visual test that is not a colonoscopy (i.e. a virtual colonoscopy or a flexible sigmoidoscopy) need to be followed up with a timely colonoscopy

• Non-invasive, at-home method of testing
• Done every 1-3 years, depending on the brand or type of test
• Requires a stool sample to be mailed to a lab
• Stool sample is checked for hidden blood and/or genetic information shed by cancerous or precancerous cells
• Any abnormal results from stool-based tests need to be followed up with a timely colonoscopy

• Newest screening method
• Only recommended for those who have declined or have not completed a structural (visual) or stool-based screening test
• Done every 3 years
• Requires having your blood drawn at a doctor’s office or lab
• Blood sample is checked for DNA that could signal cancer
• Any abnormal result from a blood test needs to be followed up with a timely colonoscopy

Based on your personal risk, some screening options may not be recommended for you. You may also need to start regular screening at an earlier age and/or be screened more often.

Prueba genética may be an option for those who want more information about their cancer risk based on their family health history.

The Affordable Care Act mandates that private insurers and Medicare cover certain colorectal cancer screenings. Insurance companies can also choose to cover other types of screening that are not required by law. Check with your insurance provider to find out if which screenings are covered under your insurance plan.

Para reducir el riesgo de cáncer, es mejor evitar el alcohol por completo. Si elige beber, limite su consumo a no más de una bebida por día si se le asignó mujer al nacer, y no más de dos bebidas por día si se le asignó hombre al nacer.