79: Colon Cancer Screening: Why It Is Important & Your Options Your Checkup: Health Conversations For Motivated Patients podcast

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79: Colon Cancer Screening: Why It Is Important & Your Options

12d ago 30:40

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Colon cancer screening saves lives by catching cancer early and even preventing it, yet only 69% of eligible adults are up to date with their screenings. We explore who needs screening, what tests are available, and how to choose the right one for you.
• Most adults should start colon cancer screening at age 45, even if healthy
• Family history may mean you need to start screening earlier
• Stool-based tests like FIT and Cologuard are convenient home options
• Colonoscopy remains the gold standard, allowing doctors to remove polyps
• One in 23 men and one in 25 women will develop colorectal cancer
• The best screening test is the one you'll actually complete
Please get screened! Check with your doctor about which test is right for you based on your risk factors and preferences.
References

1. Screening for Colorectal Cancer in Asymptomatic Average-Risk Adults: A Guidance Statement From the American College of Physicians (Version 2). Qaseem A, Harrod CS, Crandall CJ, et al. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2023;176(8):1092-1100. doi:10.7326/M23-0779.

2. AGA Clinical Practice Update on Risk Stratification for Colorectal Cancer Screening and Post-Polypectomy Surveillance: Expert Review. Issaka RB, Chan AT, Gupta S. Gastroenterology. 2023;165(5):1280-1291. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2023.06.033.

3. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Davidson KW, Barry MJ, Mangione CM, et al. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.6238.

4. Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention. Sur DKC, Brown PC. American Family Physician. 2025;112(3):278-283.

5. Increasing Incidence of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer. Sinicrope FA. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;386(16):1547-1558. doi:10.1056/NEJMra2200869.

6. From Guideline to Practice: New Shared Decision-Making Tools for Colorectal Cancer Screening From the American Cancer Society. Volk RJ, Leal VB, Jacobs LE, et al. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2018;68(4):246-249. doi:10.3322/caac.21459.

7. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. Lin JS, Perdue LA, Henrikson NB, Bean SI, Blasi PR. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1978-1998. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.4417.

8. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Bibbins-Domingo K, Grossman DC, Curry SJ, et al. JAMA. 2016;315(23):2564-2575. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.5989.

9. How Would You Screen This Patient for Colorectal Cancer? : Grand Rounds Discussion From Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Burns RB, Mangione CM, Weinberg DS, Kanjee Z. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2022;175(10):1452-1461. doi:10.7326/M22-1961.

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Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD & Nicole Aruffo, RN
Artwork: Olivia Pawlowski

Chapters

1. Podcast Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Colon Cancer Screening Basics (00:09:30)

3. Stool-Based Testing Options (00:13:00)

4. Colonoscopy and Direct Visualization (00:16:47)

5. Benefits and Statistics (00:22:40)

6. Choosing the Right Test (00:28:07)

81 episodes