Colorectal cancer: Myths and facts [Video]

#ColonCancer #ColorectalCancer #MayoClinicHealthSystem

Myth or fact: Colorectal cancer is rare.
Myth. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths, affecting 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women.

Myth or fact: Colon cancer screening now starts at age 45.
Fact. Because colon cancer rates in people under 50 have doubled since 1990, in 2021 the recommendation was updated to begin screening at age 45.

Myth or fact: Colon cancer screening isn’t just detection; it’s prevention.
Fact. Most colorectal cancers start as polyps, or a precancerous growth, which can be found and removed during a colonoscopy, stopping cancer before it starts.

Myth or fact: Family history is the only risk factor for developing colon cancer.
Myth. Obesity, IBD, diet, smoking and alcohol use can also play roles.

All adults over 45 should be screened for colon cancer. African Americans have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, and Native American/Alaska Native people have the highest risk of developing the disease.

Contact the gastroenterology (GI) experts at Mayo Clinic Health System to schedule a colonoscopy.

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