Screenings are the Key to Detecting, Treating and Beating Colorectal Cancer

There are recommended checkups for everything. Whether it is your car, furnace or anything else that runs, it needs to get looked over routinely to prevent a major breakdown. Well, we humans aren’t much different. Just think of all of the “mileage” we put on our bodies every year. It’s important that we make time to get our regularly scheduled checkups to make sure we stay in good working order, too.

One of the “checkups” that we tend to overlook or put off too often is screening for colorectal cancer. Over 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year. Screening allows for early detection of cancer and precancerous growths, providing a better likelihood of a positive outcome.

In fact, it is now recommended that screening for colorectal cancer should start at 45 years of age for individuals at average risk. That’s down from the previously recommended 50 years of age. This is because colorectal cancer cases are increasing in younger and middle-aged people.

Reducing the age when the average person should be screened will increase the chance that cases of colorectal cancer are caught earlier, which is when the treatment is most successful. Thankfully, screening options for colorectal cancer have never been easier.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon, the large intestine, or in the rectum (the last several inches of the colon). Polyps are growths that can develop on the lining of the colon and the rectum. If left undetected, polyps can potentially become cancerous. The key to successful treatment of colorectal cancer is prevention and early detection. The sooner that pre-cancerous and cancerous polyps are detected and removed, the higher the chances for a successful outcome. When detected before the cancer spreads from the colon or the rectum, the five-year survival rate is 91 percent. Unfortunately, only 38 percent of colorectal cancers are diagnosed at an early stage. That’s why timely screening and timely detection is so crucial.

When Should Screening Take Place?

Individuals with an average risk of colon cancer should first be screened beginning at age 45 and every 10 years thereafter. People with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors should start screening at an earlier age and with greater frequency. Your doctor can assist in determining the right age for you to begin screening.

What Screening Options Are Available?

Screening options range from fecal sample tests to a colonoscopy. Fecal immunochemical tests, or FIT tests, use a fecal sample to detect possible signs of cancer. The once-a-year FIT test is used to detect signs of blood in the stool. A once every three years FIT-DNA test not only detects signs of blood in the sample, but can also detect altered DNA.

A colonoscopy is the most precise of these tests as it is an actual visual exam performed by a doctor. During a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny lighted camera to check for polyps or other abnormalities in the rectum and colon. The doctor can remove most polyps observed during a colonoscopy. The polyps can then be tested to determine if they are cancerous.

A computed tomography (CT) colonoscopy is often referred to as a virtual colonoscopy. X-rays and computers are used to examine the colon. A doctor analyzes the images to determine if there are any abnormalities. If any abnormalities are detected, a traditional colonoscopy will be scheduled to remove and test any polyps or cancerous concerns.

How Are Screening Tests Scheduled?

FIT tests are at-home tests ordered by a doctor. Patients collect the samples at home and send them to a lab for testing. Bronson patients can be screened for and receive an at-home test through their primary care provider.

Colonoscopies can also be scheduled through your primary care provider or, if you are a Bronson patient, can now be self-scheduled with an order from your primary care provider.

A New Way To Schedule Your Colonoscopy

If you have a Bronson MyChart account and your primary care provider has ordered a screening colonoscopy, you will receive an invitation through your MyChart account. This invitation enables you to schedule your colonoscopy directly in your MyChart account.

Just follow these easy steps:

1. Sign into your MyChart account.
2. Select your invitation to schedule your colonoscopy and choose “Schedule Now”.
3. Answer the screening questions.
4. Select a location for your procedure. (Tip: Select “Any Location” to see the first available appointment.)
5. Select a provider from available providers. (Tip: Select “Any Provider” to see the first available appointment.)
6. Select a time.
7. Verify your demographic information.
8. Verify your insurance information.
9. Enter Colonoscopy in the text field, review the details and select “Schedule.”

After scheduling your appointment, you will receive your specific prep instructions via MyChart from a care team member to prepare you for your visit.

If you have questions about using MyChart, contact Bronson HealthAnswers at (800) 451-6310. Our referral team is also available to answer any of your scheduling questions, (269) 552-5700.

Sridhar Chalasani, MD, FACS, MS

Colon and Rectal Surgery

“My goal is to take the best possible care of a patient in a caring and compassionate way. Every patient gets my undivided attention.”

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