Chances are that you or someone you know has been affected by cancer, and we all know exactly how dangerous it can be. Cancer is a potentially fatal disease that causes the cells in your body to split and spread uncontrollably. Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, specifically affects the intestines, colon, and rectum. Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, though it doesn’t have to be! When caught early, colon cancer has an extremely high survival rate, up to 90%1. The key is early detection through regular screenings.
Understanding the risk.
The risk of getting colon cancer increases as you get older, but there are a few things to look out for. If you have a family history of colon cancer or have an inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease, your chances of developing colon cancer go up. Lifestyle factors can also increase your risk of colorectal cancer, including:
- Low levels of physical activity
- Lack of fruit and vegetables
- A low-fiber and high-fat diet
- Being overweight or obese
- Excessive alcohol consumption or tobacco use
Colon cancer is more common than you think.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for the number of colorectal cancers in the United States for 2024 are:
- About 106,590 new cases of colon cancer (54,210 in men and 52,380 in women)
- About 46,220 new cases of rectal cancer (27,330 in men and 18,890 in women)
We tend to think of colon cancer as a disease that mainly affects older adults, but the rates among younger people are actually rising. In fact, since the 1990s, rates have more than doubled for people younger than 502! In other words, even without a family history of colorectal cancer, regular screenings have never been more important.
What to watch for.
One of the biggest challenges with colon cancer is that colorectal polyps—abnormal growths that could eventually turn into cancer— don’t always cause symptoms. Someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not even know it! This is why regular screenings are so crucial for detecting problems early, when they’re most treatable.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- A change in bowel habits
- Blood in your stool
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that you cannot fully empty your bowels
- Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away.
- Unexplained weight loss
Get screened—it could save your life.
Compared to getting cancer, a screening is a very minor inconvenience. There are two main ways to screen for colon cancer:
1. Colonoscopy
Using a thin, flexible, lighted tube, your doctor will check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and the entire colon. During the procedure, the doctor can remove most polyps and even some early cancers on the spot. For people at average risk, a colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years starting at age 45.
To schedule a colonoscopy:
- Utah, Idaho, and Nevada Residents – Schedule online with Intermountain
- Colorado Residents- Contact your Primary Care Doctor or find an in-network colonoscopy clinic.
2. FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test)
This simple at-home screening uses antibodies to detect hidden blood in your stool—a possible sign of colon cancer or polyps. It is recommended once a year for average-risk individuals who have not previously had a positive or abnormal colon cancer screening test. The test is quick and easy
To request a FIT:
- Utah, Idaho, and Nevada Residents – Order online
- Colorado Residents - Contact your Primary Care Doctor or find an in-network colonoscopy clinic
Learn more about the best screening options for your situation.
Most Select Health plans cover preventive colon cancer screenings at no additional cost. For more information on your Select Health benefits and how they cover screenings, call Select Health Member Services at 800-538-5038 or schedule an appointment with your Primary Care Doctor.
2 - https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/colorectal-cancer-myths-and-facts
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Links to other sites are provided as a convenience, but Select Health does not endorse the third-party sites, information, or services.