No Ifs, Ands, or Butts: Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Matters
- Mga tauhan ng Sunshine
- 19 hours ago
- 4 min na pagbabasa
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and at Sunshine Community Health Center, we are focusing on prevention with a simple message: No ifs, ands, or butts. Colorectal cancer, which includes cancers of the colon and rectum, affects both men and women and remains one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early. Screening saves lives, plain and simple.
Colorectal cancer is currently the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among both men and women in the United States and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. In Alaska, the numbers are especially important to pay attention to. The age-adjusted incidence rate in Alaska is approximately 41 cases per 100,000 people, slightly higher than the national average. Both men and women are affected at similar rates. Among Alaska Native people, colorectal cancer rates are significantly higher than the national average, representing one of the highest incidence rates in the world. These statistics highlight why screening and early detection are critical for our communities.
The good news is that colorectal cancer often develops slowly. Most cases begin as small growths called polyps in the lining of the colon. Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer. Screening allows providers to detect these polyps early — and in many cases, remove them before they ever become cancerous. That means screening does not just detect cancer early; it can actually prevent cancer from developing in the first place.
Despite the effectiveness of screening, many eligible adults in Alaska are not up to date. State data suggests that only about 64 percent of adults ages 45 to 75 are current with recommended colorectal cancer screening guidelines. That leaves a significant portion of our neighbors at unnecessary risk.
There are several screening options available, and understanding them can help reduce anxiety and stigma around the process.
One common option is the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). This is a simple at-home stool test that checks for hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of polyps or cancer. It is non-invasive, requires no preparation, and can be completed in the privacy of your home. When done annually, FIT testing is an effective screening tool for many individuals at average risk. It is also the easiest screening option for many patients.
However, it is important to know that FIT testing has a higher false-positive rate compared to colonoscopy. If a FIT test result is positive, a follow-up colonoscopy is required to determine the cause.
Another option is a stool DNA test, commonly known by the brand name Cologuard. This test looks for hidden blood as well as certain DNA markers associated with colorectal cancer. It is also completed at home and is typically recommended every three years for average-risk individuals. Most insurance plans will not cover this test more frequently than every three years.
For some patients, a colonoscopy is recommended. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard of colorectal cancer screening because it allows the provider to view the entire colon and remove polyps during the same procedure. While many people feel nervous about the idea, the reality is far less intimidating than most expect.
Colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. Patients are given sedation to ensure they are comfortable and relaxed during the exam. In most cases, this is not general anesthesia but monitored sedation. The procedure itself typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. During the exam, the colon is carefully examined and thoroughly evaluated. If polyps are found, they are often removed during the same visit, reducing the need for additional procedures.
After the procedure, patients spend a short time in recovery before heading home. Most people return to their normal activities by the end of the day, although someone else will need to drive them home due to the sedation. For individuals with normal results and average risk, colonoscopy is generally recommended every ten years.
It is also important to acknowledge the stigma that sometimes surrounds colorectal health. Conversations about bowel movements or colon health can feel uncomfortable. However, avoiding the topic does not protect your health. Screening for colorectal cancer is no different than screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer, or heart disease. It is a routine part of preventive healthcare. Choosing to be screened is an act of strength and responsibility — not embarrassment.
At Sunshine Community Health Center, we are committed to making screening accessible and supportive for our patients. We provide colorectal cancer screening education and offer stool-based screening tests locally at our clinic locations. Our care teams can help determine which screening option is most appropriate based on your age, risk factors, and personal preferences.
If a colonoscopy is recommended, we will coordinate referrals to our trusted partner facilities to ensure you receive timely and professional care. We work closely with specialty partners to make the referral process as smooth as possible and to keep communication clear every step of the way.
Community-driven healthcare, rooted in the strength and resilience of rural Alaska, means we prioritize prevention just as much as treatment. Screening is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect our families, friends, and neighbors.
If you are 45 or older — or younger with certain risk factors — talk with your provider about colorectal cancer screening. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes and can prevent cancer before it starts.
This March, let’s take the stigma out of the conversation and put prevention first. No ifs, ands, or butts about it.
Sunshine Community Health Center
1-907-376-2273 (PANGANGALAGA)
*Ang artikulong ito ay isinulat sa suporta ng AI*
