This year, more than 150,000 new colorectal cancers will be diagnosed, and some 52,000 Americans will die of the disease. With the help of your medical local providers, you can help turn the tide.

When found early, these cancers are treatable. In fact, they are even preventable. That’s why we encourage you to talk to your doctor about screening options and what’s best for you.

How is colon cancer found?

The gold standard screening test is colonoscopy. In addition to finding cancer in its earliest stages, it’s the only exam that can find precancerous polyps in your colon before they grow and become cancer. At the time of the exam, the physician can remove these polyps, essentially preventing cancer from occurring in the first place. Of all screening methods available, it’s the least likely to miss a cancer, if present.

For people who choose not to have a colonoscopy there are other options.

• Multi-target stool DNA or FIT-DNA (known as Cologuard®) every three years. This test has been shown to be 92% effective at finding colon cancer — it’s effective but not quite as effective as colonoscopy. What’s more, colonoscopy has greater effectiveness at detecting precancerous polyps. The non-invasive test can be completed at home with no prep required.

• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year. This test is an easy, at-home test with no prep, but has a lower sensitivity rate, meaning it’s around 80% effective at finding a cancer. However, compared to FIT-DNA testing there are fewer false positives.

A positive result on either one of these tests would require further testing of a colonoscopy to see if it’s a false positive or if there is a cancerous growth or pre-cancerous polyp that’s causing the positive result.

While we explain to our patients that colonoscopy is the preferred screening, we know that some people who will never choose to have a colonoscopy are willing to do an at-home test. And any screening is better than no screening.

Prep and the colonoscopy exam

When you schedule a colonoscopy, you’ll be given instructions and medication for colonoscopy prep. This is important, because it cleans out the colon for an accurate exam. Colonoscopy prep is something you do at home the day and/or night before, and while it requires time in the bathroom, most people have few problems. When you come in for your exam, you are given sedation medications that make the test painless and comfortable. In fact, you probably won’t remember much about it. You’ll need a ride to your exam, and a ride home, but in a couple hours, you’ll be back home, and done.

You can have a nice meal and rest easier, knowing you’ve taken this important step in colorectal cancer prevention.

Even if you’re dreading the exam and the prep, remember that preventing colon cancer can save you from cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy.

Who should get screened?

Colon cancer screening is recommended for everyone — both men and women — age 45 and older. Colonoscopy should happen every 10 years unless recommended more often; so if it’s been 10 years since your last exam, it’s time to schedule your next one. Some people younger than 45 may be eligible for colon screening, if they have risk factors including a history of colon cancer in the family.

If you’re unsure what’s right for you, have a conversation with your primary care provider about colon cancer screening.

Are there other ways to fight cancer?

You can help reduce your cancer risk by getting more exercise and eating a better diet, including less red meat, more whole grains and more fruits and vegetables. Moderate your alcohol use. Leave processed products on the shelf. Every small step adds up reduce risk.

Yet colon cancer screening is a big step in cancer prevention that you don’t want to skip. In fact, 40-60% of Americans who are due for colon cancer screening haven’t had it yet.

Make an appointment today with your primary care provider for your yearly checkup and talk to your provider about colon screening.

— Debbie Streier is regional president/CEO of Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center