Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. It’s one of the most common cancers in the United States, but it’s also one of the most preventable. Regular screening can find this cancer early, when treatment works best.
Who Should Get Screened?
Doctors recommend that adults start getting screened for colorectal cancer at age 45. If you have a family history of this cancer or other risk factors, you might need to start earlier. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.
Risk Factors
Several things can increase your chance of getting colorectal cancer:
- Age: Most cases are in people over 50.
- Family History: Having close relatives with colorectal cancer raises your risk.
- Diet: Eating a lot of red or processed meats can increase your risk.
- Lifestyle: Lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking, and heavy alcohol use can also raise your risk.
Ways to Lower Your Risk
You can take steps to reduce your chance of getting colorectal cancer:
- Eat Healthy: Enjoy fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Stay Active: Aim for regular exercise most days.
- Limit Alcohol and Don’t Smoke: These habits can lower your risk.
Screening Tests
Screening can find growths (called polyps) before they turn into cancer. Common tests include:
- Colonoscopy: A doctor looks at the inside of your colon and can remove polyps.
- Stool Tests: These check for signs of cancer in your stool.
Talk to your doctor about which test is best for you.
Help at Primary Health Care
At Primary Health Care (PHC), we provide colorectal cancer screening services at our clinics in Ames, Des Moines, and Marshalltown. We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance. If you don’t have insurance or need financial assistance, we offer a sliding fee scale for those who qualify.
Our team is here to help you understand your options and make screening as easy as possible. Early detection saves lives—if you’re 45 or older or at higher risk, don’t wait to get screened!
Find a PHC clinic near you: PHC Locations
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