Colorectal Cancer: Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Getting Screened (podcast)
Early detection can often prevent colon and rectal cancers

Early detection can often prevent colon and rectal cancers
Colorectal screenings aren’t something we typically want to talk about, but skipping out on these important procedures could put your life at risk.
According to the American Cancer Society, excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, and is the third leading cause of cancer deaths. Roughly 50,000 people are expected to die from colorectal cancer this year alone. But getting past the “eww” factor and talking to your doctor about colonoscopies and other screening methods could help you avoid this often preventable disease.
In this episode of San Diego Health, host Susan Taylor and guest Walter Coyle, MD, who leads the Division of Gastroenterology at Scripps Clinic, discuss the symptoms of colorectal cancer, or lack thereof, who’s at risk and what to expect before and during a colorectal cancer screening.
There’s been some debate on what age people should start getting screenings for colorectal cancer. Traditionally, screenings began at age 50, but the American Cancer Society recently recommended that it should be lowered to age 45.
There has been a spike in the rate of colorectal cancer in younger people, although it’s not exactly clear why. Colon cancer deaths in people under 50 have increased 11 percent in the past decade. Dr. Coyle recommends a less invasive type of test starting at age 45, then moving to more traditional methods, such as a colonoscopy at age 50 in the absence of any irregularities.
Listen to the episode on the importance of colorectal cancer screening
Listen to the episode on the importance of colorectal cancer screening
Podcast highlights
Podcast highlights
Watch the San Diego Health video on colorectal cancer and screenings
Watch the San Diego Health video with host Susan Taylor and Dr. Coyle discussing colorectal cancer and screenings.