March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

We want to highlight an incredibly important topic: colorectal cancer screening. This remains one of the most preventable types of cancer when caught early through regular screening.

As a reminder, the recommended age to begin average-risk screening was lowered a few years ago from 50 to 45. Current guidelines recommend that average-risk adults begin screening at age 45 and continue through age 75.

Screening Options

Multiple effective screening methods are available, and patient preference is important for adherence: 

Stool-based tests:

• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): annually

• Multi-target stool DNA test: every 3 years

• Any positive result requires follow-up colonoscopy within 9 months

  
  

Direct visualization:

• Colonoscopy: every 10 years

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: every 5 years 

Take Action!

The benefit of our Direct Care model is that we have the time to dive deep into these preventative steps together. If you have questions about any of the above or want to schedule a meet and greet, please feel free to call our office or send us a message through the website.