How common is colorectal cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., with an estimated 158,850 new diagnoses and 55,230 deaths expected in 2026. Early screening is the most effective way to prevent it.

At what age should I start colorectal cancer screening?

Screening is recommended starting at age 45 for people at average risk. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain genetic conditions may need to start earlier. Patients should talk with their doctor about their personal risk factors.

How often do I need a colonoscopy?

If a colonoscopy doesn't find anything requiring earlier follow-up, it is typically repeated every 10 years. A physician will recommend a personalized schedule based on results and individual risk factors.

What symptoms might mean I should get screened before age 45?

Blood in the stool, changes in bowel movements, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss or fatigue are all reasons to talk with a gastroenterologist sooner rather than waiting for routine screening age.

Why is a colonoscopy considered the most effective colorectal cancer test?

Colonoscopy detects cancer about 95% of the time and finds precancerous polyps (adenomas) about 90% of the time, compared to 42% for stool-based tests and 13% for blood-based tests. It is also the only screening method that removes polyps during the same procedure, preventing cancer before it starts.

What happens if my stool-based or blood-based screening test comes back positive?

A positive result on a stool-based or blood-based test requires a follow-up colonoscopy to confirm the finding and remove any polyps that are discovered.

How do I prepare for a colonoscopy, and how do I schedule one?

Preparation typically involves switching to a low-fiber diet in the days before the procedure, moving to clear liquids the day before, and taking a prescribed laxative solution to empty the colon. A physician will provide an individualized prep plan, with detailed instructions available on the practice website. Patients can schedule a screening by calling the office at (520) 742-4139.

Early Screening Helps Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Why You Should Get a Colonoscopy

      Simply put, the procedure may save your life!
     “Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that 158,850 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer in 2026, and 55,230 will die from the disease. CRC is the deadliest cancer in people under 50.” 1
     “For people at average risk of colon cancer, colorectal cancer screening is recommended to start at age 45. Colonoscopy is one screening option. It may be repeated every 10 years when findings do not require earlier follow-up.” 2

     A person may need to get the procedure earlier than age 45 should they develop certain symptoms including: blood in the stool, changes in bowel movements, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss and fatigue.
     Other risks factors include family history of colorectal cancer, diet, smoking, obesity, inflamed bowels and genetic conditions.
     “Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum and often develops from small growths called polyps. These polyps may not cause symptoms at first, which is why screening is so important. Over time, some polyps can become cancerous.”3
      “Screening helps prevent colorectal cancer by finding polyps (abnormal growths) so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening helps find colorectal cancer early, when treatment can be very effective.”4

The Most Effective Colorectal Cancer Test is the Colonoscopy

The physicians at Arizona Gastroenterology believe the best screening for colorectal cancer remains the colonoscopy. Not only is the colonoscopy the most reliable at detecting precancerous polyps but the polyps are also removed during the procedure.
An adenoma is a benign, or noncancerous, tumor that starts in the glandular tissue of your body. The colonoscopy is 90% effective at detecting adenoma (precancerous polyps) while stool testing is only 42% effective and the blood test is just 13% effective.

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for prevention of colorectal cancer because it is 95% effective at detection of cancer and 90% effective in finding advance adenoma. Once again, any precancerous polyps are removed during the procedure preventing them to advancing into cancer.

Here is an important consideration: should your stool test or blood test have a positive reading then you will need a follow-up colonoscopy to address the problem.

Preparing for a Colonoscopy

“Preparing for your colonoscopy is important. It helps your doctor better see the lining of your colon. This makes it easier for them to identify polyps that may lead to cancer”5 The preparation consists of following a low-fiber diet, switching to clear liquids the day before, and drinking a prescribed laxative solution to completely empty your colon.
Your doctor at Arizona Gastroenterology will have a specific and detailed preparation plan tailored just for you. You can view your physician’s preparation form and read frequently asked questions about preparing for a colonoscopy on the Arizona Gastroenterology website at: https://azgastroenterology.com/patient-info/procedure-prep-faq/

Look for the Highest ADR Number

     “Adenoma detection rate (ADR) is the number one quality indicator for a colonoscopy. ADR refers to how often an endoscopist finds at least one adenoma during a CRC screening.”6
     When choosing a physician to perform your colonoscopy, look for a physician with an ADR of at least 40% in men and 30% in women. Research shows that for every 1% increase in a physician’s ADR your risk of colon cancer over the next year decreases by 3%.
     Arizona Gastroenterology has proudly reported a 38.5-40.5% rate collectively as a group since 2020.

Choose The Best

The physicians at Arizona Gastroenterology can help you through the process with compassionate care and proven results.
Arizona Gastroenterology is a multigenerational medical practice that has delivered high-quality care to southern Arizona for over 45 years. As the one of the largest gastroenterology practices in Tucson, it is made up of five award winning physicians, including three of Tucson’s top doctors:

Physicians

Physicians Assistant

Nurse Practitioners

Retired Physician

FAQs

Take Control of Your Health—Schedule Your Screening Today

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Early detection saves lives, and colonoscopies are up to 90% effective at finding precancerous polyps before the turn into cancer.
Plan a visit to Arizona Gastroenterology at 7566 N. La Cholla Blvd, (520) 742-4139, or visit AZGastroenterology.com.