While it’s not the easiest topic of discussion, colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the U.S. and the third most commonly diagnosed overall. In 2022, it’s estimated that more than 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed and one-third will die, according to the American Cancer Society.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which emphasizes the importance of preventive screenings and making care and treatment more accessible and affordable to people of all races and income levels. Sadly, this type of cancer is no longer a disease that’s predominantly diagnosed late in life. Diagnosis rates for people under 50 have increased more than 2% every year since 2007, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

Updated screening recommendations

Unlike most cancers, colorectal cancer is often preventable with screening and, when it’s identified early, is highly treatable. Everyone should get screened for colorectal cancer—the only questions are when, what methods, and how often.

The American Cancer Society recently updated its screening recommendations to advise that adults should now begin colorectal cancer screenings beginning at age 45—five years earlier than the previous recommendation. If you have risk factors based on your lifestyle, ethnicity, or family history, you may need to begin screenings earlier.

While colonoscopy is the most widely-promoted screening option, there are a number of effective tests now that are relatively inexpensive and don’t involve preparation or sedation, including:

• Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT or iFBOT)
• Guaiac Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Virtual colonoscopy
• Double contrast barium enema

To learn more about which screening options are best for you based on your personal situation and when you need to be screened, talk to your doctor and take this quiz, which was developed by the Colorectal Alliance.

Take advantage of preventive screening benefits

If you’re enrolled in a Transocean medical plan, preventive colonoscopies and other age-recommended exams and screenings are covered at 100%, with no deductible, if you use  in-network providers. For more details, refer to the US Benefits Guide.