Screening

To detect colorectal cancer at an early, asymptomatic stage has huge advantages.

Removing small cancers, still confined to the intestinal mucosa (in situ) is extremely simple. It is done by colonoscopy with a high chance of cure – colorectal cancers detected at an early stage have a 5-year survival rate of about 90%, meaning about 90% of people survive for 5 years or more. 

This is important because if you remain cancer-free for five years or more, there is a high chance that you are cured.

As the tumor grows, it becomes more difficult to treat.
It might have spread to the wall of the intestine and the lymph nodes, requiring surgery and possibly more aggressive treatments such as chemotherapy. 

Screening is especially important in colorectal cancer.

This is because colorectal cancer takes a very long time to develop (sometimes 10-15 years), providing a significant time window for detecting and treat the disease before it is too late, or even to completely prevent it. 

In fact, regular screenings will result in the removal of any polyps before they can degenerate into cancer. The regular practice of colonoscopies has been shown to reduce a person's chances of developing colorectal cancer significantly. 

In most countries there is no organized nationwide colorectal cancer screening, but there are national recommendations. 

In the US, colorectal cancer guidelines are provided by several organizations. A joint guideline by the American Cancer Society, US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, and the American College of Radiology recommends that for asymptomatic individuals screening for colorectal cancer and polyps should start around the age of 50. Those with any of the disease risk factors, for example, a family history of colorectal cancer, should initiate screening by colonoscopy earlier – generally at 40 – as well as do them more regularly than the general population. See!

The European Union annual or biennial fecal occult blood test (FOBT) screening for colorectal cancer in men and women asymptomatic and without known risk factors, aged 50 to 74, followed by colonoscopy, if the results are positive.

However, according to the patient's personal preferences, available resources and the characteristics of different methods, alternative screening tests might be considered: including colonoscopy, rectosigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) or virtual colonoscopy. Screening periodicity is the same whatever the method.

In any case, if you are approaching the age of 50, discuss with your doctor what is the best prevention plan for you.