Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 30% of adults in the U.S. aren’t getting the recommended screenings.1
Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. In 2025, there were an estimated 154,270 new cases, the National Cancer Institute reports.2
For many years, colorectal cancer was seen mainly in older adults. But in recent decades, rates have increased among those under 50 years old. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the rate of younger adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer has been rising nearly 3% each year from 2013 to 2022.3
For all of these reasons, routine colorectal cancer screening is essential.
What is colorectal cancer screening?
Colorectal cancer screenings are tests that look for signs of precancer or cancer in the colon or rectum. The goal is to find any problems early when they are easier to treat.
Types of colorectal cancer screening tests
There are several ways to screen for colorectal cancer, but choosing the right test will come down to your personal health circumstances. When you meet with your doctor, you can discuss which test is most appropriate for your age, risk, and needs.
Common screening options include:
Colonoscopy
Most people think of a colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening.4 During this test, a doctor looks at the colon and rectum with a thin, lighted camera tube. They can identify any growths or other concerns as well as remove any polyps. This procedure is done most often using light anesthesia so you’re unlikely to feel or remember anything.
Most people should go every 10 years for a colonoscopy, but someone with a personal or family history of polyps or colorectal cancer may need to be screened more often.
Fecal immunochemical test
The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a stool test that identifies if blood is present. The FITdna test, known as Cologuard, can show changes in the DNA or RNA from cells in the stool. Both of these are possible signs of colorectal cancer or polyps, according to the ACS.5
The FIT doesn’t require hours of fasting or going to the hospital. In fact, this test is done from your own home. Generally, you’ll collect a small sample of stool, place it in a sterile test card or tube, and mail it in for testing.
The FIT needs to be completed annually for accuracy. The FITdna, or Cologuard, is done every three years. If your doctor finds something concerning in your results, a colonoscopy is necessary.
When should you start screening for colorectal cancer?
The ACS recommends that adults with an average risk begin regular screening at age 45.6 People who are at a higher risk of colorectal cancer may need to start earlier or be screened more often. You may qualify if you have:
- A family history of colorectal cancer
- A personal history of polyps
- Certain genetic conditions, like Lynch syndrome, a condition that increases the risk of several cancers
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
- A history of radiation in the abdomen area for prior cancer 6
Your primary care provider can help you decide when to start screening and how often you should be screened.
Signs and symptoms to watch for (but not wait for)
Many people wait for symptoms, such as cramping or bowel changes, before getting care. But colorectal cancer often does not cause symptoms early on, according to the ACS.7
Here are some signs you should schedule an appointment with your doctor:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Blood in the stool
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness or fatigue
Keep in mind that these symptoms can have many causes, but you should always talk to your provider if you’re experiencing a new symptom that doesn’t go away.
Make your health a priority
Even if you feel well, routine screenings are important for your long-term health. Colorectal cancer is preventable and treatable when it’s caught early. You can talk to your healthcare provider about which screening option fits your needs best. If you don’t currently have a primary care provider, you can find one by logging into your member account.
If you’re exploring new insurance options, Select Health may have the right health insurance plan for you. Easily browse healthcare plans that can support you, your family, or even your employees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about colorectal cancer screening
Yes, you still need screening even if you feel fine. Many people with early colorectal cancer feel completely normal, which is why screening is so important.7
If you’re nervous about a colonoscopy, you’re not alone. Many people feel anxious about the procedure. Your provider can talk with you about what to expect and other screening options.
If you’re under 45 but worried, it’s a good idea to talk with your provider. You may need screening earlier based on your symptoms or family history.
If polyps are found during a colonoscopy, your provider can usually remove them right away. This is common and helps prevent cancer from developing. Afterward, your provider may send the tissue to a lab for testing and talk with you about when you should schedule your next screening.
The content included here is for your information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Additionally, this information does not guarantee benefits. To review your benefits, please reference your plan materials or call Member Services at 800-538-5038 weekdays, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., closed Sunday. TTY users call 711.
Sources
1. Adults Who Have Never Been Screened for Colorectal Cancer, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2012 and 2020, Centers for Disease Control, 2022
2. Common Cancer Types, National Cancer Institute, 2025
3. Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer, American Cancer Society, 2026
4. Colonoscopy, American Cancer Society, 2026
5. Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests, American Cancer Society, 2025
6. American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer, American Cancer Society, 2025
7. Colorectal Cancer Signs and Symptoms, American Cancer Society, 2024
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