COLON CANCER + Colon Cancer Screening Update Recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Health Services Task Force were updated in 2020 related to colorectal cancer screening. This was partially due to the fact that diagnoses of colorectal cancer in the younger population seem to be increasing. It is estimated that 1 out of every 20 Americans will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime. It is slightly more common in men, as well as African Americans, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and those with a family history of colorectal cancer. Because it was previously thought of as a later-in-life disease, screening previously began at age 50. This has now been extended to start at age 45 in populations that may be at higher risk. Including those noted above, this may also apply to those with asbestos exposure, genetic conditions such as Lynch Syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis, as well as individuals with obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, history of radiation therapy for other cancers, long-term smoking, and excessive alcohol use. The decision to screen after age 75 is made on an individual basis and influenced by overall health, risk factors, and the results of previous screenings. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for screening. While the patient is sedated, a tube containing a fiber optic camera is inserted through the rectum to visualize the colon, or large intestine. If abnormalities are found, biopsies, or samples of tissue, can be taken during this process for further evaluation. Colonoscopy is usually recommended every 3-10 years depending on the findings. Some facilities offer what is known as a virtual colonoscopy. This involves using a low dose CT scan to view the inside of the colon. It does not require sedation but is not as sensitive as the colonoscopy and if anything suspicious is found, a regular colonoscopy would then be needed. Fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), with or without a stool DNA component, is another alternative screening method that can be done every 1 to 3 years. These tests are performed on a stool sample, but again, if abnormal, a colonoscopy would then be needed. In the early stages of colorectal cancer, there are often no symptoms. This is one reason why screening is so important. Symptoms can include a persistent change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal discomfort, weakness or fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Treatment once colorectal cancer is diagnosed may include surgical removal of portions of the colon and nearby lymph nodes, and chemotherapy. In some cases, radiation therapy or immunotherapy may be helpful. If identified early, the survival rate for colorectal cancer can be as high as 90%. This again highlights the need for screening. Colorectal cancers are included on the Environmental Health Hazard (EHH) list for those exposed to Libby Amphibole. As part of the free screening process for asbestos related disease (ARD), the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) offers free FIT testing to those who qualify and are due for colorectal cancer screening. If you think you may have been exposed to Libby Amphibole in Lincoln County, Montana for a total of at least 6 months at least 10 years ago, please call us at (406) 293-9274 for more information. CA CARD Center for Asbestos Related Disease Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application. Testing available locally or from a distance. Screening provided through CDC grant # NU61TS000355. Ongoing care not covered. SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH COLON CANCER + Colon Cancer Screening Update Recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Health Services Task Force were updated in 2020 related to colorectal cancer screening . This was partially due to the fact that diagnoses of colorectal cancer in the younger population seem to be increasing . It is estimated that 1 out of every 20 Americans will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime . It is slightly more common in men , as well as African Americans , Native Americans , Alaska Natives , and those with a family history of colorectal cancer . Because it was previously thought of as a later - in - life disease , screening previously began at age 50. This has now been extended to start at age 45 in populations that may be at higher risk . Including those noted above , this may also apply to those with asbestos exposure , genetic conditions such as Lynch Syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis , as well as individuals with obesity , diabetes , inflammatory bowel disease , history of radiation therapy for other cancers , long - term smoking , and excessive alcohol use . The decision to screen after age 75 is made on an individual basis and influenced by overall health , risk factors , and the results of previous screenings . Colonoscopy is the gold standard for screening . While the patient is sedated , a tube containing a fiber optic camera is inserted through the rectum to visualize the colon , or large intestine . If abnormalities are found , biopsies , or samples of tissue , can be taken during this process for further evaluation . Colonoscopy is usually recommended every 3-10 years depending on the findings . Some facilities offer what is known as a virtual colonoscopy . This involves using a low dose CT scan to view the inside of the colon . It does not require sedation but is not as sensitive as the colonoscopy and if anything suspicious is found , a regular colonoscopy would then be needed . Fecal immunochemical testing ( FIT ) , with or without a stool DNA component , is another alternative screening method that can be done every 1 to 3 years . These tests are performed on a stool sample , but again , if abnormal , a colonoscopy would then be needed . In the early stages of colorectal cancer , there are often no symptoms . This is one reason why screening is so important . Symptoms can include a persistent change in bowel habits , blood in the stool , persistent abdominal discomfort , weakness or fatigue , and unexplained weight loss . Treatment once colorectal cancer is diagnosed may include surgical removal of portions of the colon and nearby lymph nodes , and chemotherapy . In some cases , radiation therapy or immunotherapy may be helpful . If identified early , the survival rate for colorectal cancer can be as high as 90 % . This again highlights the need for screening . Colorectal cancers are included on the Environmental Health Hazard ( EHH ) list for those exposed to Libby Amphibole . As part of the free screening process for asbestos related disease ( ARD ) , the Center for Asbestos Related Disease ( CARD ) offers free FIT testing to those who qualify and are due for colorectal cancer screening . If you think you may have been exposed to Libby Amphibole in Lincoln County , Montana for a total of at least 6 months at least 10 years ago , please call us at ( 406 ) 293-9274 for more information . CA CARD Center for Asbestos Related Disease Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application . Testing available locally or from a distance . Screening provided through CDC grant # NU61TS000355 . Ongoing care not covered . SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH