The Rising Threat of Colorectal Cancer in Younger Adults: Understanding Your Risks and Screening Options
Have you ever dismissed the possibility of colon cancer, thinking, "I’m too young for that?" This perception is dangerously outdated. Colorectal cancer (CRC), often referred to as colon cancer, is increasingly affecting younger adults, a trend that demands our attention and action. Despite this alarming shift, many remain blissfully unaware of their personal risk and the importance of early detection.
The conversation surrounding colon cancer is often avoided, absent from dinner table discussions and casual chats. This silence can lead to overlooked family history, a crucial piece of the puzzle when assessing individual risk. Understanding your risk factors and engaging in regular screening can be the deciding factor in catching the disease early, drastically improving treatment outcomes and chances of survival.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, healthcare experts have taken proactive steps. In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended screening age for colorectal cancer to 45. This crucial adjustment aims to detect CRC at an earlier, more treatable stage. Despite this recommendation, a significant number of younger adults continue to delay or forgo screening. Reasons cited include a lack of awareness regarding their risk, insufficient insurance coverage, or simply the desire to avoid the perceived inconvenience and invasiveness of a colonoscopy.
If you are experiencing digestive health concerns or noticing unusual symptoms, it is essential to explore your screening options. Even with health insurance coverage, a colonoscopy is not always automatically covered unless you meet specific criteria, such as being over a certain age or having a relevant family history. Furthermore, the preparation and recovery associated with a colonoscopy can be time-consuming and unpleasant.
Fortunately, advancements in medical technology have led to the development of easier, less invasive screening methods that can be conveniently performed at home. One such option is Reese’s ColoTest, a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) that doesn’t even require a prescription.
As March marks Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to educate yourself on the various screening options available, understanding their respective benefits and drawbacks. This knowledge empowers you to take control of your health and stay ahead of this potentially devastating disease.
Let’s delve into a closer look at some of the most common colorectal cancer screening methods:
Colonoscopy: The Gold Standard and Its Drawbacks
Colonoscopy has traditionally been considered the gold standard in colorectal cancer screening. It is generally recommended every ten years for adults aged 45 and older who are at average risk. Individuals with a higher risk due to family history or other factors may need to undergo colonoscopies more frequently.
However, insurance coverage for colonoscopies can be limited unless you meet specific eligibility requirements related to age or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or Lynch Syndrome.
One of the significant drawbacks of a colonoscopy is the extensive preparation required, involving days of dietary restrictions and bowel cleansing. The procedure itself necessitates sedation and is followed by a recovery period. The cost and time commitment associated with colonoscopies often lead individuals to postpone or avoid the screening altogether.
For more information on colonoscopies and other screening methods, resources are available at ColorectalCancer.org.
Stool DNA Test: At-Home Convenience with a Prescription
For individuals at average risk for CRC and aged 45 or older, an at-home stool DNA test kit is an alternative option. This test requires a prescription from your doctor. After collecting a stool sample, you mail it to a laboratory for analysis. The test utilizes a combination of stool-based DNA and hemoglobin testing to identify abnormal cells that may indicate the presence of cancer.
Insurance coverage for stool DNA tests is typically limited to individuals aged 45 or older, but it’s crucial to verify the specifics of your health insurance plan.
Blood Tests: A New Frontier in CRC Screening
Recently approved blood-based screening tests offer another avenue for colorectal cancer detection. These tests analyze specific biomarkers in your blood to identify potential indicators of the disease. The advantage of blood tests is that they can be conveniently combined with other routine blood work. However, they do require a visit to a lab, a blood draw, and a waiting period for the results.
Since these blood-based tests are relatively new, insurance coverage may vary. It’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if this option is suitable for you and to confirm insurance coverage.
FIT Test: Affordable and Accessible Early Detection
Fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) represent a simple, non-invasive alternative that detects the presence of hidden blood in stool. For individuals hesitant about colonoscopies or interested in more frequent testing, FIT tests offer an accessible option.
Reese’s ColoTest is an example of an affordable, easily accessible screening option that can be purchased without a prescription. With just a single stool sample and no special preparation or dietary restrictions, you can conveniently self-test at home as often as desired, without the need for lab processing.
Unlike some FIT tests that require sending a sample to a lab and waiting days for the results, Reese’s ColoTest provides results in just one minute. The test boasts 98.8% accuracy in detecting hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early warning sign for colorectal cancer and other conditions such as diverticulitis, gastrointestinal disorders, colitis, and polyps.
Reese’s ColoTest is widely available at pharmacy retailers nationwide and online, including Walmart, Amazon, over 7,000 CVS Pharmacy stores, and CVS.com.
According to Jeffrey Reese, president of Reese Pharmaceutical, "Researchers found that people who had FIT testing done every year had a 33% lower chance of dying from colorectal cancer." This highlights the importance of regular screening, particularly for individuals at higher risk. "FIT tests can be started at a younger age and repeated every year, providing earlier detection opportunities," Reese adds.
The bottom line is clear: screening for colorectal cancer has never been easier or more important. Whether you opt for a colonoscopy, a stool-based test, or a simple FIT test, the key is to get screened. Early detection saves lives, and with the availability of new, more convenient options, there’s no reason to delay.
To learn more about Reese’s ColoTest, visit MyColoTest.com. Remember, taking proactive steps towards your health can make all the difference in the fight against colorectal cancer.
