Colorectal Cancer Screening: Your Complete Guide

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Despite these statistics, it is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early. Yet screening rates remain lower than recommended guidelines suggest they should be.

If you are 45 or older — or have certain risk factors at a younger age — understanding your screening options is one of the most important steps you can take for your long-term health.

Why Screening Is So Important

Colorectal cancer often develops from precancerous growths called polyps, which can be present in the colon or rectum for years before becoming cancerous. Screening tests are designed to detect these polyps and early-stage cancer before symptoms appear.

The 5-year survival rate for colorectal cancer detected at the earliest stage exceeds 90%. When detected at a later stage, that rate drops significantly. Early detection is the single most impactful intervention available.

Who Should Be Screened?

Current guidelines from major health organizations recommend:

• Average-risk adults begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45
• Adults with a family history of colorectal cancer should discuss earlier or more frequent screening with their provider
• Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may require more frequent surveillance
• Certain genetic conditions (Lynch syndrome, FAP) warrant specialized screening protocols

Colorectal Cancer Screening Options

Several screening methods are available. Your provider can help determine which is most appropriate based on your preferences, health history, and risk factors:

• Colonoscopy (every 10 years for average-risk adults)
• Stool DNA test (every 3 years)
• Fecal immunochemical test — FIT (annual)
• Guardant Shield — a non-invasive blood-based screening option
• CT colonography (every 5 years)

Guardant Shield: A Non-Invasive Option

Guardant Shield is a blood-based colorectal cancer screening test that requires only a simple blood draw. It is designed for average-risk adults who are candidates for colorectal cancer screening. Benefits include:

• No bowel preparation
• No sedation required
• Completed with a routine blood draw
• Most insurance plans cover it for eligible patients

Supreme Comprehensive Health Services offers Guardant Shield as part of our preventive care services. Eligibility is determined based on clinical guidelines and individual patient factors.

Colorectal Cancer Screening at Supreme CHS

Our Preventive Care Consultation ($85, self-pay) includes personalized screening recommendations and ordering, including referrals for colonoscopy and access to Guardant Shield for eligible patients. Contact us to schedule your preventive care visit.