When Should You Get a Colon Cancer Screening? What to Know at Every Age

Every March, communities across the country observe National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This time is dedicated to educating people about one of the most preventable forms of cancer. However, 108,860 new cases are expected to be diagnosed this year.

The good news is that regular colon cancer screening can detect issues early, often before symptoms even begin. Screening can also prevent cancer entirely by identifying and removing precancerous polyps.

At Health Services of North Texas (HSNT), preventive care is a key part of staying healthy. Whether you live in Plano, Denton, or the surrounding North Texas communities, our primary care providers help patients understand when to begin screenings, what to expect, and how to access care that fits their unique needs.

Why Colon Cancer Screening Matters

Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum, often starting as small growths called polyps. These polyps may not cause symptoms at first, which is why routine screening is so important.

When caught early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable, and preventive cancer screenings can significantly reduce risk by finding polyps before they become cancerous.

Preventive cancer screenings are an important part of primary care because they allow providers to identify potential problems early, when treatment is most effective and less invasive.

Unfortunately, 63.5% of adults receive colorectal cancer screenings, below the 72.8% national goal.

During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, healthcare providers emphasize that screening is not only important but also accessible and often covered by insurance plans, including Medicaid.

Why Screening Now Starts at Age 45

For many years, colon cancer screening typically began at age 50. However, rates of colorectal cancer are increasing among younger adults.

Because of this shift, the healthcare community now recommends starting routine colon cancer screening at age 45 for people at average risk.

Beginning screening earlier allows healthcare providers to detect changes before cancer develops. If results are normal, many people only need to repeat screenings every 10 years, depending on the test used.

Your primary care provider can help determine the right screening schedule for you based on your health history and risk factors.

Colon Cancer Risk Factors to Know

While colorectal cancer can affect anyone, certain factors may increase your risk. Understanding these risks can help guide screening decisions and preventive care.

Common risk factors include:

• Family History: If a parent, sibling, or close relative has had colorectal cancer or polyps, your risk may be higher. 
• Age: Risk increases with age, especially after age 45.
• Diet: Diets high in red or processed meats and low in fiber may increase risk.
• Lifestyle Habits: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and limited physical activity are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
• Obesity: Excess weight can also increase the risk.

Even if you feel healthy, screening is still important. Many people diagnosed with colorectal cancer had no symptoms beforehand.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms vs. Early Detection

One of the biggest misconceptions about colorectal cancer is that you’ll know something is wrong before screening is necessary.

In reality, colorectal cancer often develops without any noticeable symptoms. These may not appear until the disease has progressed.

Possible symptoms may include:

• Changes in bowel habits
• Blood in the stool
• Persistent abdominal discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness

However, waiting for symptoms before getting screened can delay diagnosis.

Routine colon cancer screening allows healthcare providers to detect polyps or early-stage cancer long before symptoms occur, making treatment easier and outcomes significantly better.

Types of Colon Cancer Screenings

There are several different screening options available today, which means patients have choices when it comes to preventive care. Your provider will help determine which test is best based on your medical history and preferences.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening. During the procedure, a doctor uses a small camera to examine the entire colon and rectum.

If polyps are found, they can often be removed during the same procedure. For people over 45 with normal results and average risk, colonoscopies are typically recommended every 10 years.

Stool-Based Tests

Some screening methods use stool samples to detect hidden blood or abnormal DNA that may indicate cancer.

These tests are non-invasive and can be completed at home. However, they usually need to be repeated more frequently, and abnormal results typically require a follow-up colonoscopy.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

This procedure examines the lower portion of the colon and may be recommended in some cases.

Your primary care provider can explain the differences between screening options and help determine what works best for your health needs.

Preventive Screenings Are Part of Whole-Person Care

Colon cancer screening is just one component of preventive health. Routine visits with a primary care provider allow patients to stay on top of important screenings, manage chronic conditions, and address health concerns early.

For women, preventive well-woman visits may also include screenings such as cervical cancer testing, breast health exams, and discussions about overall wellness.

For men, preventive care visits are an opportunity to discuss risk factors, lifestyle habits, and screenings that support long-term health.

By combining routine checkups with preventive cancer screenings, patients can take proactive steps toward protecting their health.

Addressing Common Concerns About Screening

It’s normal to feel hesitant about medical procedures, especially if you’ve never had a colon cancer screening before.

Some of the most common concerns patients have include:

• Feeling anxious before a colonoscopy, but the procedure itself is usually quick and performed with sedation, so patients remain comfortable.
• Screening is designed for people without symptoms. Detecting issues early is exactly the goal.
• Many insurance plans cover preventive screenings, and community health centers work with patients to help ensure care is accessible and affordable.

Talking openly with a healthcare provider can help address concerns and make the process easier.

Access to Primary Care in North Texas

Preventive healthcare should be accessible to everyone. HSNT provides primary care in North Texas, including Plano, Denton, and surrounding areas.

Our care teams focus on:

• Preventive screenings and wellness visits
• Family practice care for adults
• Men’s and women’s health services
• Chronic disease management
• Support for Medicaid and underserved patients

We understand that healthcare decisions can feel overwhelming, which is why our providers take time to answer questions, explain screening options, and create personalized care plans.

Taking the First Step Toward Screening

If you are 45 or older, now is a great time to talk with a provider about colon cancer screening. Even if you’re younger than 45, you may need earlier screening if you have certain risk factors, including family history or digestive symptoms.

Preventive care visits are an opportunity to review your health history, discuss screenings, and ensure you’re staying on track with recommended care.

If you’re due for a colon cancer screening or want to learn more about preventive cancer screenings, the care team at HSNT is here to help.

Schedule a preventive care visit and talk with a provider about when to get a colonoscopy and what screening options are right for you.