Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

What is Colorectal (Colon) Cancer

The disease develops in the inner lining of your colon (large intestine) or rectum when polyps, or small growths, become cancerous over time. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are grouped together because they have a lot in common.

Colon cancer used to mainly affect people over 45, but studies show it's becoming more common in younger people. If you're between the ages of 45 and 75, talk to your doctor about routine colorectal cancer screening. If a history of colon cancer runs in your family, speak up. You may need earlier testing.​

Are You at Risk?

A healthy lifestyle minimizes risk, but factors that put you more at risk include:

• Age - Most cases of colon cancer are found in people 50 and older, but an increasing number of cases are being diagnosed in people 20 to 49.
• Certain medical conditions - Chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease can increase your risk of colon cancer.
• Family history - If your family has a history of colon cancer or polyps, your risk of developing colon cancer may increase.
• Lifestyle - Smoking, drinking alcohol excessively and obesity are all risk factors for colon cancer.​​

Know the Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

• changes in your bowel movements
• blood in your stool
• diarrhea, constipation or unable to empty your bowel completely
• pain in the abdomen, aches or cramps that persist
• unexplained weight loss

Preventive versus Diagnostic Colonoscopy Screenings

A colonoscopy screening is considered preventive care. Preventive screenings are routine tests ordered when there is no reason to suspect a problem. They're done at certain ages and intervals.

If a person has symptoms or signs of a problem, a diagnostic test is ordered. Diagnostic tests take a closer look to see if a disease is present. A diagnostic test may be ordered if anything unusual shows up on a preventive screening test.

For a colonoscopy, how much you may have to pay is based on what is ordered by your doctor.

• Preventive screening test - This is a routine colonoscopy for people who have no symptoms to suggest a problem. They haven't had gastrointestinal problems in the past.
• Diagnostic test - This testing is for people who have certain known health problems. These may include anemia, gastrointestinal bleeding or blood detected by a stool test or a prior colonoscopy where polyps were found and removed. You may have out-of-pocket costs for a diagnostic colonoscopy.

Don’t Wait to Get Screened 

Screening for colorectal cancer includes a colonoscopy. It's a procedure where a doctor uses an instrument to look at the colon and rectum. A colonoscopy is recommended for adults 45 and older once every 10 years. Depending on your risk factors, you may need a colonoscopy earlier or more frequently.

Many kinds of cancer can be treated successfully if caught early, including colon cancer. That's why getting screened is so important. Talk to your doctor about your family history and schedule your screening when recommended.  

TRS health plans cover 100% of your preventive care, which include colonoscopies beginning at age 45.​

Resources for TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard​​

Provider Finder®​

Use Provider Finder® to find out where you can get your in-network colonoscopy. You can also find a Primary Care Provider to talk about what is right for you.

• TRS-ActiveCare
• TRS-Care Standard​

Smokers are more likely to develop cancer than nonsmokers. But after 3 years of being smoke-free, the risk drops to that of a nonsmoker.

Quit For Life® is a tobacco cessation program designed to give you a clear path to quitting and remaining nicotine-free. Through an online dashboard, you can phone, text or chat to get the support you need. Call 1-866-QUIT-4-LIFE, TTY 711 or visit rallyhealth.com/retiree.