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Fast Facts:

• The number of people under the age of 45 diagnosed with colorectal cancer is going up more than 1% every year. A person under 45 is twice as likely to get colon cancer as a person over 70.
• Colon cancer is now the #1 cause of cancer death in men under the age of 50, and the #2 cause of cancer death in women in that age group. Young people and their doctors often ignore the subtle warning signs of colorectal cancer.
• Screening tests like FIT test, virtual colonoscopy and colonoscopy detect colon cancer early, while it’s still curable.  
• Most people under 45 don’t know to ask for a screening test unless they’re aware of their family history and know the worrisome signs of colorectal cancer.

You might not realize it right now, but your life will most likely be touched by colorectal cancer. Colon cancer statistics are alarming- and they’re only getting worse, especially for younger people. The American Cancer Society states that about 1 in 25 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer in their lifetime. That rate is going down in people over 45 because of awareness and screening. Sadly, the rate is going up in younger people. And colon cancer is more deadly in people under 45. Let’s take a look at what’s happening.

Why is colorectal cancer more deadly in younger people?

We usually think of “older people” as being more frail or less healthy than “young people.” It seems logical they’d have a harder time fighting off colorectal cancer. But the truth of the matter is that younger people, under 45 years old, have an increased risk of getting colon cancer than people over 70. Each year these statistics have gotten better for older adults and worse for younger people. Why?

There are several reasons why the number of diagnoses and the mortality rate (the number of people who die) has gone down in people over 45. Some of the reasons doctors cite include:

• Routine screening tests starting at age 45 catches cancer early so that it’s more curable.
• Routine screening tests starting at age 45 find polyps so that they can be removed. They don’t have a chance to turn into cancer.
• Chemotherapy is better now than 20 years ago. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy can be used in combination to target different types of colorectal cancer.

There are probably other factors at play. All cancers are a result of complex interactions between a person’s genetics, food and environment.

Why are so many young people getting colon cancer?

Doctors aren’t really sure why more young people are getting all types of colorectal cancer. Some of the factors that increase the risk include:

• Eating a diet high in processed foods and processed red meats 
• Increased rates of obesity 
• Not getting enough exercise  
• Tobacco use
• Alcohol use 
• Environmental exposure to chemicals
• Unhealthy Gut bacteria

Another thing to take into account is that people under 45 aren’t advised to get routine screening tests. Unless a young person is aware of the warning signs of colon cancer, and their family history, they won’t be aware of their own risk of colon cancer. That means they won’t know when to talk to their doctor. Remember, screening is one of the major reasons colon cancer rates are dropping in people over 50.

So what are the signs of colorectal cancer in young people?

Signs of colorectal cancer in young people are vague and easily ignored. Oftentimes, if a 30-something tells their doctor of nondescript abdominal symptoms, they’re diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome or a similar GI complaint. Most of the time, it’s not cancer. But the risk of being misdiagnosed can be devastating.

Signs of colon cancer in people under 45 include:

• Abdominal pain
• Blood in stools
• Diarrhea
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling bloated all the time

If you have any of these symptoms, and they don’t get better on their own or with treatment, you should talk to your doctor and insist on a colonoscopy. 

Another tell-tale symptom of colon cancer is having narrow stools. Pencil thin bowel movements, especially if you have any of the other symptoms of colon cancer, can be a red flag. You should talk to your doctor immediately if you notice this symptom.

The Bottom Line

Colon cancer is a preventable and treatable disease. It’s being caught at an earlier stage in people over 45 because of improving screening programs. But the rate is increasing in young people. And the stage they’re being diagnosed is more advanced than in older adults. Young people need to be aware of the signs of colorectal cancer. They need to be aware of their own family and genetic history, too. And they need to talk to their doctor if they think they need to be checked out. Check it for yourself. Check it for your family. CheckIt4Andretti.

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Fast Facts:

• Colon cancer screening has been proven to save lives. But many people don’t get screened because they think the tests are unpleasant, inconvenient or embarrassing.
• Current guidelines say that everyone over the age of 45 should be screened for colon cancer. And at a younger age if you have risk factors like a family history or certain genetic syndromes.
• A new blood test called ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA) shows promise for being an accurate and convenient screening test that can be added onto routine blood tests.
• ctDNA can also be used to help decide whether chemotherapy is needed after surgery. It may help prevent unnecessary treatment or catch recurrent cancer earlier.

If you’ve been reading CheckIt4Andretti’s blog, you already know that colon cancer screening can save lives. You also probably know that gastroenterologists recommend getting screened starting at age 45. Many people mistakenly think that colon cancer screening is too inconvenient, embarrassing or unpleasant, so they just never get around to getting it done. But what if there was a safe, convenient, and accurate blood test that you could get along with your cholesterol test and blood counts? That kind of test could be available very soon. Let’s take a closer look at the ctDNA blood test for colon cancer.

What is ctDNA?

ctDNA is circulating tumor DNA. When normal cells or cancer cells die, small bits of their genetic material (DNA) gets loose in the circulatory system (blood stream). So ctDNA is tumor, or cancer, DNA that has gotten into the bloodstream. Because ctDNA is checking for tumor DNA in the blood, it’s sometimes called a “liquid biopsy.” ctDNA

How does the ctDNA test work?

Doctors have made a special test to tell the difference between normal DNA and cancer DNA. The test is as simple as having your blood drawn. The blood can be taken at the same time as your other lab tests during a routine doctor’s visit. For example, if you’re getting your blood count, cholesterol and electrolytes checked, the doctor will simply send part of the blood for the ctDNA test. The test looks for a specific pattern of DNA that only happens with colon cancer. If there’s any ctDNA present, a more thorough work-up needs to be done to find where it’s coming from. You should never have any ctDNA in your blood (not even a little!)

How good is the ctDNA test?

The ctDNA test for colon cancer is very good. Scientists look at how sensitive a test is. That means that if cancer is present, how likely is the test to pick it up? ctDNA has a 93% sensitivity compared to colonoscopy. Another thing scientists look for in a test is “specificity.” If you test negative (no ctDNA detected), it means you don’t have cancer. The ctDNA test has a 90% specificity. 

ctDNA only picked up about 23% of precancerous lesions (advanced adenomas). Precancerous polyps can be readily seen by colonoscopy. Overall, ctDNA is as good as other stool-based screening tests. People find it more convenient, accessible and easier to complete than other tests. But colonoscopy is still the gold standard for colon cancer screening.

Is ctDNA readily available as a screening test?

Unfortunately, ctDNA is only available in a research setting. The good news is that researchers are working hard to make this test readily available. The ultimate goal is to improve colorectal screening. And since ctDNA is minimally invasive and convenient, it has the potential to make colorectal screening available to people who might otherwise shy away from other tests. 

Are there other uses for ctDNA?

Yes! ctDNA can be used to prevent unnecessary treatment. Imagine finding out you have colon or rectal cancer. Your doctor will talk to you about surgery. And chemotherapy. And maybe radiation therapy. 

Before starting chemotherapy, your doctor might decide to get a ctDNA test. Remember, a negative ctDNA test means that you have no detectable cancer. Based on a negative ctDNA test, you and your doctor might decide to hold off on chemotherapy. You may be able to get ctDNA blood tests every couple of months to make sure the test doesn’t turn positive. You’ve avoided unnecessary treatment!

And if you’ve had surgery and chemotherapy, ctDNA may be used to monitor for colon cancer recurrence in between colonoscopies. The earlier you catch colon cancer or colon cancer recurrence, the more likely you are to beat it.

Want to learn more about ctDNA testing?

If you want to learn more about ctDNA, watch this short video:

CheckIt4Andretti is proud to collaborate with Polymedco, the producer of OC-Auto FIT and a fellow partner in the mission to expand access to screening. By promoting yearly FIT, Polymedco is working to make screening more effective, accessible, and affordable.

OC-Auto FIT: PRIMARY RECOMMENDED METHOD FOR ANNUAL SCREENING IN AVERAGE-RISK ADULTS 45-75:¹

Regular screening is important to make sure colon cancer is caught as early as possible.

Leading health organizations, including the US Preventive Services Task Force, American College of Gastroenterology, and US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, recommend screening with fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) every year.^1-3

Polymedco and CheckIt4Andretti are working together to address the gaps in screening rates by increasing access to guideline-recommended solutions at little or no cost to patients. 

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of these effective screening methods that received a primary recommendation by leading experts.

OC-AUTO FIT

What is OC-Auto FIT?

OC-Auto FIT is an at-home, noninvasive screening solution that looks for non-visible blood in the stool.

• Performed at home
• Screens every year, just as doctors would for breast or prostate cancer 
• No preparation (fasting, laxatives, etc.) required

Why choose OC-Auto FIT?

OC-Auto FIT is the only FIT backed by proven clinical outcomes.⁴

OC-Auto FIT is the #1 automated noninvasive colon cancer screening solution in the world,⁵ with excellent performance characteristics in both sensitivity and specificity.⁶ Additionally, OC-Auto makes annual screening easier for its users, with a simple collection process that can be completed from the comfort and privacy of home.

OC-Auto FIT enables better health outcomes⁴

Evidence shows that screening with OC-Auto FIT leads to better outcomes, from increased screening rates to decreased mortality.⁴

One study of approximately 4 million health plan members evaluated the effects of regular screening with OC-Auto FIT and found significant impacts to screening rates, cancer rates, and number of deaths due to colon cancer.

43.8%⁴

INCREASE in colon cancer screening rates

25.5%⁴

DECREASE in annual rate of colon cancer

52.4%⁴

DECREASE in number of colon cancer deaths

OC-Auto FIT makes screening easy and accessible

By making annual screening as easy as possible, early detection can become a greater reality. That’s why OC-Auto FIT was designed to be patient-friendly, simple-to-use, and available at little or no cost.

90% of patients who used OC-Auto FIT said it was simple or very easy to use⁷

Screening at home: A simple 3-step collection process

Screening at home with OC-Auto FIT is as easy as 1-2-3!

Step 1 

• Take the FIT from the privacy of your home
• Fill out the label with the date and your information
• Use the sampling wand to collect a small amount of sample
• Seal sample container inside envelope

Step 2

• Return your sample
• Use the provided mailing envelope to return your kit through the US Postal Service OR return to your healthcare provider or the lab as instructed

Step 3

• Receive results from your provider’s office
• Your healthcare provider should contact you with your results within a couple of weeks.

MAKING GUIDELINE-RECOMMENDED SCREENING^1-3 A REALITY FOR MORE PATIENTS

With CheckIt4Andretti’s mission to expand screening access and Polymedco’s commitment to accessible, annual at-home screening with OC-Auto FIT, we are working together to ensure every American has access to effective, affordable screening options.

Keep Reading:

Read more about the importance of screening

Complete your annual FIT screening with OC-Auto

Learn more about CheckIt4Andretti’s mission.

References

1. Rex DK, Boland CR, Dominitz JA, et al Colorectal cancer screening: recommendations for physicians and patients from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on colorectal cancer. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017;112(7):1016-1030. doi:10.1038/ ajg.2017.174​
2. US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, Barry MJ, et al Screening for colorectal cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.6238
3. Shaukat A, Kahi CJ, Burke CA, et al ACG clinical guidelines: colorectal cancer screening 2021. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(3):458-479. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001122
4. Levin T, Corley D, et al Effects of organized colorectal cancer screening on cancer incidence and mortality in a large community-based population. Gastroenterology. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2018.07.017
5. Data on file with Polymedco, Inc. (1)
6. Imperiale TF, Ransohoff DF, Itzkowitz SH, et al Multitarget stool DNA testing for colorectal-cancer screening. N Engl J Med. 2014;370(14):1287-297.doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1311194
7. Data on file with Polymedco, Inc. (2)

CheckIt4Andretti is proud to collaborate with Polymedco, the producer of OC-Auto FIT and a fellow partner in the mission to enhance access to screening. By promoting yearly FIT, Polymedco is working to make screening more effective, accessible, and affordable.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SCREENING

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer starts as a small growth in the lining of the colon or rectum. Regular screening is important to make sure colon cancer is caught as early as possible.

Colon cancer facts and figures:

Colon cancer has the second-highest death rate among cancers overall and is the leading cause of cancer death in men under 5o.¹

• More than 150,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually^1,2
• More than 50,000 people are estimated to lose their lives to colon cancer annually^1,2
• Nearly 20,000 annual colon cancer diagnoses are estimated in people younger than 50¹

 90% of all colon cancer deaths are preventable if caught early³, but over 4 in 10 adults are not getting screened as recommended.¹

• While rates of colon cancer have been increasing in individuals younger than 55, screening rates remain lowest among people 45-49 years of age.¹

Over 40% of adults are not getting screened per current recommendations.¹

Who should get screened for colon cancer?

For adults ages 45-75 at average-risk, guidelines from leading professional organizations including the US Preventive Services Task Force, American College of Gastroenterology, and US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer recommend screening with fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) every year. ^4-6

What is FIT?

FIT is a noninvasive colon cancer screening solution that identifies blood in the stool or bleeding in the digestive tract that may have no other signs or symptoms. 

OC-Auto FIT, the brand name of the #1 automated noninvasive colon cancer screening solution in the world,⁷ is an easy option that can be performed from the comfort of your home and offers annual screening as recommended by experts.^4-6

This screening guidance applies to all average-risk adults aged 45-75

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM COLON CANCER

1. Know your risk

While some people may have more risk factors than others, no one is considered “low-risk” when it comes to colon cancer.

Many people with early-stage colon cancer have no symptoms,³ and many colon cancers occur in people with no known risk factors or family history.^8,9

• 3 in 4 people with colon cancer have no known risk factors⁸
• 2 in 3 people with colon cancer have no family history⁹

• 2. Screen with OC-Auto FIT every year 

Even if you are in generally good health or have no family history, experts suggest all adults 45-75 at average-risk screen annually with OC-Auto FIT^4-6 to help find signs of the disease before symptoms appear, allowing patients to get treatment early, and when survival rates are higher.

OC-Auto FIT:

• Checks for disease every year
  • Detects non-visible blood in the stool
  • Is noninvasive and performed at home

By making annual screening a part of your yearly physical visits, earlier detection can become part of your regular care. That’s why OC-Auto was designed to be patient-friendly, simple to use, and available at little or no cost.

CheckIt4Andretti is proud to join Polymedco in closing the gaps in screening rates by increasing access to guideline-recommended screening solutions.

With CheckIt4Andretti’s mission to expand colonoscopy access and Polymedco’s commitment to accessible, annual at-home screening, we are working together to ensure every American has access to effective, affordable screening options.

Read more about the top recommended colon cancer screening options.

Learn more about CheckIt4Andretti’s mission.

References

1. Colorectal cancer facts & figures 2023-2025. American Cancer Society. Accessed January 25, 2023. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures/colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures-2023.pdf
2. Cancer facts & figures 2024.  American Cancer Society. Accessed February 7, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2024/2024-cancer-facts-and-figures-acs.pdf
3. Tepus M, Yau TO. Non-invasive colorectal cancer screening: an overview. Gastrointest Tumors. 2020;7(3):62-73. doi:10.1159/000507701
4. US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, Barry MJ, et al Screening for colorectal cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.6238
5. Shaukat A, Kahi CJ, Burke CA, et al ACG clinical guidelines: colorectal cancer screening 2021. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(3):458-479. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001122
6. Rex DK, Boland CR, Dominitz JA, et al Colorectal cancer screening: recommendations for physicians and patients from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on colorectal cancer. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017;112(7):1016-1030. doi:10.1038/ ajg.2017.174​
7. Data on file with Polymedco, Inc.
8. Who is at risk for colon cancer? Colon Cancer Coalition. September 22, 2022. Accessed January 12, 2024. https://coloncancercoalition.org/get-educated/what-you-need-to-know/who-is-at-risk/
9. Colorectal cancer risk factors: hereditary colorectal risk factors. American Cancer Society. Accessed January 12, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html

March has been designated Colon Cancer Awareness Month. March 12 would have been racing legend John Andretti’s 61st birthday. Colon cancer claims the lives of over 50,000 Americans every year. This includes legends like John Andretti, Chadwick Boseman, Charles Schultz, Audrey Hepburn and Kirstie Alley.

In 2000, President Bill Clinton recognized that colon cancer was a serious threat to the health of Americans. At that time colon cancer was the second most common cancer in the US. President Clinton and his advisors recognized that colon cancer had few symptoms and the best way to catch it was with early detection. In order to promote screening for colon cancer, President Clinton signed a Presidential Proclamation designating March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  

President Barack Obama re-dedicated a Presidential Proclamation, again designating March as Colorectal Cancer Month in 2016 and 2017. Presidents Clinton and Obama helped raise awareness about colon cancer and early detection. Thanks to their efforts, March is a time organizations around the world focus on one of the biggest, but frequently preventable, killers.

After John Andretti’s death on January 30, 2020, CheckIt4Andretti Charitable Foundation was born out of the #CheckIt4Andretti screening campaign which started on social media. Since its founding, CheckIt4Andretti foundation has worked with free and charitable clinics to help prevent under-insured Americans from becoming another colon cancer statistic.

Together with our partners, NE Digestive Health,  Community Care Clinic of Rowan County,  Sebela Pharmaceutical, and Free and Charitable Clinics of NC, CheckIt4Andretti is taking the mission of screening seriously to save lives. By providing free screening FIT tests to the clinics, we are able to detect patients in need of screening colonoscopies. CheckIt4Andretti then works with our partners to provide colonoscopies free of charge to those who can’t afford them.

CheckIt4Andretti is proud to promote Colon Cancer Awareness Month. If you would like to support us in our efforts here’s how you can help:

Dress in blue for colon cancer awareness. 

The blue ribbon has been officially recognized as the symbol to promote visibility of this deadly disease. Wear the ribbon all year. Dress in blue on March 1.

Donate to CheckIt4Andretti

Help us screen more people and save more lives! Make a donation in honor of someone you love, someone you may have lost or in honor of John Andretti.

Take the screening quiz

Find out if you’re at risk and need to be screened. If you’re over 45 years old, or if you know you’re at increased risk, get a screening done as soon as you can.

Don’t be embarrassed to talk about colon cancer

Talk to your family. Talk to your friends. Talk to your doctor. Talking about your colon may seem embarrassing, but you don’t want to die from not being embarrassed. 

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, but colon cancer is diagnosed every day of every year. Make sure you’re aware of its symptoms and you get checked out. Check it for the ones you love. #CheckIt4Andretti!

Andretti Indoor Karting and Games (AIKG) is known for family fun entertainment and celebrations. But when CheckIt4Andretti (CI4A) announced their plans to help save lives by offering free colon cancer screening, AIKG raced in to help.

Eddie Hamman, one of the Managing Partner of AIKG, and John Andretti were great friends from the very beginning of AIKG. When Nancy Andretti, President of CI4A Charitable Foundation, began looking for ideas to help fund the Foundation, Eddie and fellow AIKG Managing Partners, Stan Manousos, and Ed Kennedy, came up with the “Round Up Campaign.”

AIKG locations began asking customers if they’d like to “round up’ their bill at the register. Customers were eager to honor John Andretti’s legacy while helping others in need. 

Having Fun and Saving Lives!

AIKG gives customers an opportunity to celebrate good times and make memories with family and friends. By participating in the round up campaign, customers are also able to help save lives. Every penny raised from the round up campaign has been donated to CheckIt4Andretti Charitable Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to partner with doctors and free clinics to provide free colonoscopies to people who need a colonoscopy but can’t afford it.

A Winning Formula

So what happens when two great organizations team up? You get a winning formula, of course! Since starting the Round Up Campaign in January 2021, AIKG customers have donated $334,541.00. 

All 6 AIKG locations participate in the Round Up campaign. The donations from AIKG customers have helped directly with funding colonoscopies to patients. The effects of these donations are felt in the community. Recently, CI4A was recognized for its positive impact on the community. 

Fast Friends in the Fight Against Cancer

CI4A is grateful for all its donors as well as its medical and corporate partners. Without the support of so many doctors, nurses, volunteers and donors, CheckIt4Andretti wouldn’t be able to fulfill John Andretti’s wish to help those who might miss out on life-saving screening.

When asked about CI4A’s special relationship with AIKG, Nancy Andretti said:

“We are thrilled to call AIKG a loyal partner and contributor to the fight against colon cancer. AIKG has been a supporter since day 1 and have never wavered in their support in numerous ways in addition to the round up campaign. AIKG is a big reason why we are able to help people get the screenings they need and we appreciate their generosity with the round up campaign.”

Join AIKG and Save Lives

If you live near an Andretti Indoor Karting location, go in for a good time. And ask to round up. If you can’t visit a Karting center, you can still help by donating. If you can’t donate, make sure to get your own colonoscopy if you’re due (over 45 years old.) And get a colonoscopy sooner  if you’re at risk. Check it for the people you love. #CheckIt4Andretti!

The CheckIt4Andretti Foundation was honored to receive the 2023 Fred and Alice Stanback Silent Angel Award

The award is given annually by The Community Care Clinic of Rowan County (CCCRC) to recognize an individual or organization that embodies the legacy of Fred and Alice Stanback. The Stanbacks dedicate their lives to serving others and advocating for the most vulnerable citizens in the community.

Jarett and Nancy Andretti attended the “Community Thanks” event which was hosted in the Peeler Crystal Lounge at Catawba College on November 13. About 200 guests were in attendance for the evening event.

CCCRC Executive Director, Krista Woolly, presented the award. Woolly stated, “John’s wife, Nancy Andretti, has been an amazing advocate for our patients, providing funding for more than 50 colonoscopies to date. She is a living testimony on how to carry on the legacy of a life well lived.” 

Woolly also noted that colonoscopies are expensive and out of the reach of many patients served by CCCRC. CheckIt4Andretti has made screening colonoscopies accessible for more than 50 high-risk, low-income people who are uninsured. She said selecting CheckIt4Andretti as the 2023 Silent Angel recipient was a ‘no-brainer.’ 

CheckIt4Andretti was founded in 2021 to honor racing legend John Andretti. John was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 53. He fought courageously, giving inspiration to the #CheckIt4Andretti hashtag and prompting thousands of people to get screened. His legacy lives on through the foundation.

When asked what the award meant, CheckIt4Andretti President, Nancy Andretti, said, “The Silent Angel Award means so much to me personally and I was honored to accept it on behalf of the CheckIt4Andretti Foundation. In just 2 short years we have been able to make an impact on our community by donating over 50 colonoscopies to those in need. It is gratifying and humbling to be recognized by this wonderful community and I am grateful to continue the work started by my husband John, in whose memory this foundation was started.”  

You can read the full story about the evening and the award here.

If you would like to support John’s memory and help community members get screened, please donate today.

Fast Facts:

• Everyone over the age of 45 should be screened for colon cancer.
• More than 1 in 3 US adults is overdue for colorectal screening.
• Almost 75% of people overdue for colorectal screening report not being advised by their doctor.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the US. When it’s caught early, colon cancer has a greater than 90% survival rate. Screening tests like colonoscopies help catch colon cancer in its earliest stages. That’s when it’s most curable.

More than 1 in 3 adults are overdue for colon cancer screening in the US

There’s a lot of confusion about colon cancer screening. You might think that if you feel great or don’t have any symptoms, you don’t need to get screened. But when you feel good and don’t have symptoms is exactly the time to get screened. Once you start having symptoms, you move from a screening test to a diagnostic test. And then the chances of having cancer are much greater.

Many people are squeamish about colon cancer screening tests. The prep seems messy. It’s embarrassing to collect my poop in a bowl. It might be painful to have a colonoscopy. I can’t talk to my doctor about my bowel habits!

Excuses like these keep about 30% of adults from getting the recommended screening that could save their lives. A simple discussion with your doctor could put your mind at ease about these myths.

But what if your doctor never talks to you about colon cancer screening?

My doctor didn’t recommend screening at my annual check-up

Say you’re 46 years old and you go in for your annual check-up. Your doctor should do a complete physical exam and ask about any symptoms you have. They’ll also recommend blood tests for things like cholesterol and anemia. They might say you need a mammogram or a test for prostate cancer. 

They should definitely talk to you about colon cancer screening.

Unfortunately, a  recent study showed that this doesn’t always happen. When researchers asked the people who were overdue for colon cancer screening why they hadn’t gotten it done, almost 75% said their doctor did not tell them they needed it.

The rates of recommendation were lowest for black and asian people, and people who had less than a high school diploma. 

Speak up! It could save your life

Even though screening recommendations are in place, healthcare providers might not follow them. Whether it’s due to a busy schedule, not being educated on current recommendations or other reasons, many patients aren’t being told they need screening… even though they took the time to have an annual check up.

It’s important to remember that you are your own best advocate. Make sure to educate yourself about  your health. When you go to the doctor, don’t be shy. Speak up and ask about screening tests– not just colon cancer screening. Ask what screening tests you are due for. A good doctor won’t mind you asking questions.

If you wait until you’re having symptoms, you have a higher risk of finding cancer. 

The bottom line

Colon cancer screening saves lives. The current recommendation is that everyone over 45 years old get screened. Unfortunately, about 30% of eligible adults are overdue for screening. Of those people, 75% who had a physical exam were not offered a screening test by their doctor. Educate yourself about your health. Speak up and tell your family to speak up. Check it for the people you love. CheckIt4Andretti.

Fast Facts:

• Rates of colon cancer is growing fastest in people younger than 50 years old
• Early-onset colon cancer is more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage than it is in people over 50
• A new study finds that abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding and iron-deficiency anemia are early warning signs of colon cancer in young people

“The most common symptom of colon cancer is no symptoms.” That’s what doctors have thought for years. But a new study published in a leading cancer journal suggests otherwise. At least for people younger than 50.

Doctors at Washington University School of Medicine looked at 27,000 people younger than 50. 5,000 of them had been diagnosed with colon cancer (early-onset colon cancer).

They found that people with colon cancer were more likely to report 4 symptoms in the 3 months to 2 years before being diagnosed. The symptoms included:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding
• Iron-deficiency anemia

People who had just 1 of these symptoms were twice as likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer compared to those with none of the symptoms.

What’s even more alarming is that people with 3 or 4 symptoms were 6 times more likely to have colon cancer than those without symptoms.

Early-onset colon cancer happens in people younger than 50 years old. And half of early-onset cancer happens in people younger than the recommended colonoscopy age of 45. 

Young people are having the fastest growth of colon cancer diagnosis of any group. They also are being diagnosed at later stages, making their cancers harder to treat.

Raising awareness about early warning signs could help save lives. People whose cancer hasn’t spread to other organs have a 90% 5 year chance of survival. That rate drops to 14% if the cancer has spread. Early diagnosis means better survival and a need for less aggressive treatment.

Unfortunately, young people tend to ignore symptoms if they feel good otherwise.  Dr. Yin Cao, who headed the study, said that young people with any of these warning signs, “should at least go to their primary care doctor, and, if needed, the primary doctor will refer them to a gastroenterologist.”

Their doctor might recommend a stool test. Stool tests are easy, inexpensive and can be done at home. Their doctor could also recommend going straight to a colonoscopy if a person has severe or multiple symptoms or if they have other risk factors.

The bottom line:

The rate of colon cancer in young people is growing at an alarming rate. Young people are more likely to ignore mild symptoms if they’re otherwise feeling great. Recognizing early warning symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding and iron-deficiency anemia can help get an earlier diagnosis. Earlier diagnosis means a better chance of survival and better-tolerated treatments. If you’re under 45 and have any of these symptoms, get checked out. Check it for your loved ones. CheckIt4Andretti!