Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Aside from skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. for both men and women. While incident rates have declined overall in recent decades, the medical community has noticed a concerning exception: The disease is becoming more common in people under the age of 50.
When caught early, treatment outcomes for colorectal cancer are often favorable. But that success hinges on early detection – which is why it’s so important to start getting screened as soon as possible.
In the majority of cases, colorectal cancer begins with precancerous polyps, or abnormal growths that form in your colon or rectum. These growths are often harmless, but some can develop into cancer over time. Most polyps won’t produce any symptoms on their own, meaning they often go overlooked until they’ve become dangerous.
Fortunately, colorectal cancer screenings can identify any polyps you may have, so they can be removed before they have a chance to turn into cancer. Screenings can also detect the presence of colon cancer early, often before noticeable symptoms develop and when the cancer is still in an early stage. This is important because colorectal cancer has the highest survival rates when it’s found early.
According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), adults should begin receiving screenings for colorectal cancer at the age of 45. This guideline was updated from the previous starting age of 50 in 2021, when the USPSTF reviewed newer data and concluded a younger age group could benefit from screenings. Note, however, that this new recommendation applies to those of average risk. If you have an inflammatory bowel disease, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, or a genetic syndrome that predisposes you to the condition, discuss all of these with your doctor early on in your relationship with them, as your screening timeline and options may be different than that of others.
During a colonoscopy, your doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a camera and light at the end to visually inspect your rectum and colon for polyps or signs of cancer. If polyps are detected during the exam, they can often be removed at the same time. The preparation for colonoscopy requires a thorough cleansing of the entire colon before the test. Sedation is often used during a colonoscopy to help patients feel comfortable and reduce discomfort.
Virtual colonoscopies, also known as CT colonography, is a less invasive way to screen for colorectal cancer. Instead of using a traditional scope, it relies on a low-dose CT scan to take detailed images of the colon. Like a standard colonoscopy, you’ll still need to prep your bowel beforehand, but there’s no sedation, and the procedure itself is about 10–15 minutes. However, if the scan finds anything concerning, you may need a standard colonoscopy to remove or biopsy the abnormal tissue.
Polyps and colon cancer can both produce blood, which can be detected through stool tests. In this approach, patients collect a stool sample which is then sent to a lab for an assessment. Several different stool tests are available, some of which use chemicals, antibodies, or a combination of the two to look for abnormalities. If any unusual results are detected during home stool tests, a standard colonoscopy will be recommended.
Each of these screenings have their benefits and their disadvantages. With that in mind, your family, personal health history, and current wellness needs should be important guiding factors you and your doctor discuss while reaching a decision.
When it comes to preventive healthcare, there are many options to consider. Your SouthCoast Health primary care provider can help you make informed decisions about cancer screenings while offering ongoing care and support for your overall health. See our list of providers online or call 912.691.3600 to schedule an appointment.
Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive medical services including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Allergy and Asthma, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye Care, Imaging, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Surgery, Clinical Trial Research Studies, Diabetic Self-Management Training Sessions, Dietetic Counseling, Laboratory Services, Massage Therapy, Optical Shop, Pharmacy, and Urgent Care.
SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hinesville, and Statesboro.
