
Colon cancer:
Let's learn the factsIf you're 45 or older, it's time
to screen for colon cancer.
Ready to learn where to begin?
Watch this short video and check
out the sections below.
Select a section to explore the page
Why screening matters Who should get screened? Ways to get screenedWhat is colon cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the colon or rectum that can invade nearby tissues or spread to other organs. Normally, colon cancer starts as a polyp (small growth) that gets larger over time. Not all polyps are cancerous, but some do turn into cancer.1
Watch this short video to learn more about polyps and early detection
Why get screened?
Who should get screened?
Who’s at risk and when should you get screened?
Everyone 45 years and older at average risk for colon cancer needs to get screened.3 Even if you don’t have a family history or symptoms.1,4 Colon cancer is the 3rd most commonly occurring cancer in both men and women—of all races.5 Some racial groups are more at risk than others.1
Statistically, Black Americans are more likely to develop colon cancer than any other racial group, and more likely to be diagnosed with later-stage colon cancer. Hispanic Americans have the second-highest death rate due to colon cancer, following Black Americans.6
Why getting screened early matters
True or False?
Read each statement and select whether you think it’s true, or false.
-
1. Only men need to worry about colon cancer
Actually, 47% of all new colon cancer cases in the US are diagnosed in women.5Correct, 47% of all new colon cancer cases in the US are diagnosed in women.5 -
2. Only people with a family history of colon cancer need to get screened
Actually, about 70% of people with colon cancer have no family history.4Correct, about 70% of people with colon cancer have no family history.4 -
3. Colon cancer doesn't always show obvious signs at early stages
Correct, with colon cancer, symptoms often only occur at later stages.1Actually, with colon cancer, symptoms often only occur at later stages.1
Ways to get screened
What are my screening options?1,3,8,9
Swipe right to left to compare
screening options
Take action and get screened
Now that you know why getting screened regularly and on time is important, talk with your healthcare provider, or an online telehealth provider about which option might be best for you. If you think that Cologuard is the right option for you, click the button below to learn more.
What’s next after getting screened?
Routine screening provides important information about your health.
Is getting screened for colon cancer covered by insurance?
The Affordable Care Act requires most insurers to cover colon cancer screening at no cost to the patient. Exceptions apply; only your insurer can tell you how getting screened would be covered for you.3
Select a section to explore the page
Why screening matters Who should get screened? Ways to get screenedReferences:
1. Colorectal cancer facts & figures 2020-2022. American Cancer Society; 2020.
2. National Cancer Institute. SEER cancer stat facts: colorectal cancer. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect.html
3. Wolf AMD, Fontham ETH, Church TR, et al. Colorectal cancer screening for average-risk adults: 2018 guidelines update from the American Cancer Society. CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68(4):250-281.
4. NCI. Genetics of colorectal cancer (PDQ) - health professional version. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/hp/colorectal-genetics-pdq#_235_toc
5. Cancer facts & figures 2021. American Cancer Society; 2021.
6. Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, Part I: National Cancer Statistics. Henley; 2021.
7. American Cancer Society. Cancer prevention & early detection facts & figures 2021-2022. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2020.
8. Davidson KW, Barry MJ, Mangione CM, et al. Screening for colorectal cancer - US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.6238
9. Colorectal Cancer Alliance. How to prepare for your colonoscopy. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.ccalliance.org/screening-prevention/colonoscopy-prep-tips