Colon cancer screening
Resources & support
Frequently asked questions
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer starts as a small growth in the lining of the colon or rectum. Colon cancer may develop at any time, but it is more common in adults over the age of 45.1 Regular screening is important for making sure colon cancer is caught as early as possible.
What are the facts about colon cancer?
Colon cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men under the age of 50 and the second leading cause in women.2,3 More than 150,000 new cases of colon cancer are diagnosed annually, with more than 50,000 people losing their lives to colon cancer each year.2
What is the recommended screening for colon cancer?
The US Preventive Services Task Force, the American College of Gastroenterology, and the US Multi-Society Task Force on colorectal cancer all updated their guidelines for colon cancer screening. These guidelines recommend regular screening for average-risk* adults between 45-75 years of age, with either FIT every year or colonoscopy every 10 years.4-6
What are risk factors for colon cancer?
Modifiable lifestyle factors, including weight, physical activity, diet, tobacco, or alcohol use, can all impact the risk for colon cancer.1 Additionally, factors such as age and family history can increase your risk1—but it’s important to remember that people younger than 45 and people with no family history are still at risk for developing colon cancer. Most colon cancers are found in people without a family history,1 and data shows that incidence rates are rising in people younger than 45.2
How can you limit your risk for colon cancer?
Annual screening with FIT is recommended by multiple professional organizations for average-risk* patients between 45-75 years of age.4-6
Getting OC-Auto FIT is easy.
If you are between the ages of 45 and 75 and of average risk*, be sure to ask your healthcare provider about annual screening with OC-Auto FIT, or order a kit for yourself today.
*Professional guidelines recommend regular colon cancer screening for all average-risk adults between 45-75 years of age.4-6 For screening purposes, you are at average risk of colorectal cancer if you do not have a personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps; a family history of colorectal cancer; a confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer or HNPCC); a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease); or a personal history of abdominal or pelvic radiation for a previous cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are not sure if you are at average or increased risk of colorectal cancer.7
OC-Auto Sensor io iFOB Test is designed to be used together as an immunoassay test system. The test system is intended for the qualitative detection of fecal occult blood in feces by professional laboratories. The automated test is used for the measurement of fecal occult blood and is useful as an aid to detect blood in stool when lower gastrointestinal bleeding may be suspected.
References:
- Colorectal cancer risk factors. Accessed February 7, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
- Colorectal cancer facts & figures 2023-2025. American Cancer Society. Accessed January 25, 2023. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures/colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures-2023.pdf
- Siegel RL, Giaquinto AN, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2024. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024;74(1):12-49. doi:10.3322/caac.21820
- US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, Barry MJ, et al. Screening for colorectal cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.6238
- Shaukat A, Kahi CJ, Burke CA, et al. ACG clinical guidelines: colorectal cancer screening 2021. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(3):458-479. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001122
- Rex DK, Boland CR, Dominitz JA, et al. Colorectal cancer screening: recommendations for physicians and patients from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on colorectal cancer. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017;112(7):1016-1030. doi:10.1038/ajg.2017.174
- Wolf AMD, Fontham ETH, Church TR, et al. Colorectal cancer screening for average-risk adults: 2018 guidelines update from the American Cancer Society. CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68(4):250-281. doi:10.3322/caac.21457
