More than 139 million Americans should be getting screened for colorectal cancer, the number one leading cause of cancer death among men and the second leading cause of cancer death among women. More than 68% of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented with screening. All adults 45 and older should be screened.
A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon screening. It is an outpatient procedure done in a surgical setting that generally takes around 30 minutes under deep sedation. In addition to visually observing the colon with a scope, the surgeon can remove polyps and/or tissue for biopsy during the procedure.
Hear from Clinical Specialist, Bec Söll, about the impact of colorectal cancer screening and how Vantage is leading the way toward making screenings accessible and convenient.
Who is at risk?
- Anyone with a family history of colorectal cancer.
- Those with lifestyle risk factors include excess body weight, high consumption of red or processed meat, low calcium intake, heavy alcohol consumption, and flow intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain fiber.
- Black Americans are 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups. 25% of this population are diagnosed at a late stage which contributes to their survival rate
- Indigenous communities, including Native American and Alaskan Native men and women, have higher rates of colorectal cancer. This is the only population for which the CRC mortality rates are not declining.
- Jews of Eastern European descent face the highest risk worldwide
Anyone, at any age, can get colorectal cancer. If you are 45 years or older, you should have a conversation with your doctor to discuss your specific risk factors.
There are 1.5 million survivors in the United States. By knowing the risk factors, signs, and symptoms, you may be able to catch colorectal cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage. It is the goal of Vantage to increase that number by making screenings more available and convenient in rural communities.