Providers
Colon cancer is the third-most commonly diagnosed cancer in Delaware.
Continue to recommend a colonoscopy or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for patients who need a colorectal cancer screening.
Risk Factors
Who Should Be Screened?
Patients should be screened for colon cancer if they:
- Are age 45 or older
- Eat a diet high in red or processed meats
- Are obese
- Are heavy alcohol users
- Have Type 2 diabetes
- Are African American
- Have a history of colorectal adenomatous polyps
- Have a history of colon cancer
- Have inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease
Younger-Onset Colorectal Cancer
People have a greater risk of being diagnosed at a younger age if they:
- Have relatives diagnosed with colon cancer
- Have diabetes
- Have inflammatory bowel disease
- Are obese
- Have Lynch syndrome
- Drink more sweetened beverages and less milk
- Are African American
- Eat processed meats
Warning Signs
Symptoms That Warrant a Screening Conversation
If younger patients are experiencing any of these symptoms, a colorectal cancer screening may be appropriate.
- Unexplained rectal bleeding
- Blood in the stool
- Weakness and fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Persistent changes in bowel habits
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- A constant feeling of needing a bowel movement
Screening Options
Types of Colorectal Cancer Screenings
The CDC recommends two primary colorectal cancer screening options.
Colonoscopy
An outpatient procedure during which an endoscope is used to look for and remove polyps in the colon.
FIT Test
An at-home test kit that requires the patient to collect a stool sample and mail it to a lab for testing.
Patient Education Materials for Your Office
Helpful Links
Order Free Materials
Printed brochures, fact sheets, and other materials are available to order for your practice, free of charge.
See what's available to order nowView Quality Cancer Data
Information on new cancer cases, cancer treatment, and cancer deaths helps providers measure the quality of cancer care in Delaware.
Learn morePatient Cancer Programs and Services
Learn about the programs available to help patients get screened, treated, and supported through survivorship.
Learn more