In 2000, then-President Bill Clinton dedicated March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Since then, the month has become one where survivors, patients, advocates and others come together to bring awareness to colon cancer by holding educational events and by wearing blue, said Teresa Henson, extension specialist-nutrition outreach coordinator at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
The American Cancer Society recommends the following colon cancer screening for average and high-risk individuals.
Colorectal cancer average risk recommendations:
• People at average risk should start regular screening at age 45.
• People in good health and expected to live at least more than 10 years should continue regular screening through age 75.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
• People ages 76 through 85 should decide with their health care provider whether to continue to get screened. This should be based on personal preferences, prior screening results, overall health and how long they are expected to live.
• People over 85 should no longer get screened for colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer high-risk recommendations:
• Individuals at a higher risk for colon cancer may need to start screening before age 45. People at higher risk are those with the following:
• A strong family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps.
• A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps.
• A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).
A history of radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvis to treat a other cancer.
“Individuals at average or high risk need to consult with their health care physician to determine the best medical screening option,” Henson said.
Source: When should you start getting screened for colorectal cancer? (2021). Details were retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/american-cancer-society-updates-colorectal-cancer-screening-guideline.html.