How to talk to your doctor about screening
It's important to know how to talk to your doctor about colorectal cancer screening, particularly if you are having symptoms or have a family history.
Tips for talking to your doctor about symptoms
It's not always easy to discuss colorectal health symptoms, but it's important to tell your doctor about your concerns.
Who should be screened and when?
The American Cancer Society recommends that adults without a family history should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45.
However, individual risk factors such as ethnicity, lifestyle, and family history will determine when you should start screening.
When you're under 45: talking to your doctor about screening
- If you are under 45 and having symptoms that may be consistent with colorectal cancer, you need to discuss early screening with their health care provider.
- If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you should also talk to your provider about early screening.
- This discussion may be difficult, but it's important to speak up and request early screening.
Physician-related delays (e.g., missed symptoms, initial misdiagnosis) have been estimated to occur in 15-50% of young-onset colorectal cancer cases.
Advocate for yourself to save your life
- Younger patients diagnosed between the ages of 19-39 were more likely to report that their concerns were dismissedby their doctors than patients who were diagnosed between the ages of 40-50, according to the Alliance's survey.
- Women were more likely to report that they felt their symptoms and concerns were dismissed by their doctor.
If you feel like your provider is not taking you seriously about signs or symptoms, advocate for yourself and, if needed, seek a second opinion.
Know the signs
Colorectal Cancer SymptomsTop resources
Alliance Honors Survivors, Encourages Screening and Advocates for Research During National Cancer Survivors Month
In recognition of National Cancer Survivors Month this June, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (Alliance) is shining a light on the more than 1.5 million colorectal cancer survivors in the United States, celebrating their strength while calling attention to increasing rates of colorectal cancer and the urgent need for more screening and research to end the disease.
Hope in the Details: How Heather’s Biomarker Opened New Treatment Paths
After a stage IV colorectal cancer diagnosis, Heather’s biomarker test revealed a critical mutation — opening the door to clinical trials and new hope.
Alliance Announces New Leadership Roles
The additions to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance's all bring deep expertise and a shared passion for the mission to end colorectal cancer in our lifetime.