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
Colorectal Cancer Alliance State of Screening Study Reveals Potentially Fatal Attitudes & Misconceptions Among Americans
Majority of Americans say they don’t have time for colorectal cancer screening, prioritizing household chores instead of health.
Alliance meets with leaders on Capitol Hill
The meetings are part of a broader government advocacy initiative by the Alliance to address the growing prevalence of CRC and improve patient care, advance research, and break down regulatory barriers that limit access to life-saving treatments.
Alliance delivers memo to Trump administration
A common method for educating a new administration about an organization’s cause — and sharing how the president can improve the situation for the American people — is through a document called a transition memo.