ThedaCare highlights available options to help detect, prevent colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting more people under the age of 55. ThedaCare wants to address that by encouraging people to take advantage of diagnostic screenings that may help with early detection of the disease.

There are several screening options for aiding the detection of colorectal cancer. Only one is considered the most reliable diagnostic tool, said Dr. Kara Vande Walle, a General Surgeon who performs colonoscopies with ThedaCare.

“Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosing colorectal cancer,” she said. “It’s an effective tool for detecting and preventing cancer. It also allows us to remove polyps at the same time as we do the procedure.”

A colon polyp is a small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the colon. Most colon polyps are harmless. However, some polyps, over time, may turn into colorectal cancer. The disease can be deadly if found in its later stages.

“Most people with colon polyps do not have symptoms, which is why colonoscopies are so important,” Dr. Vande Walle said. “With March being Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good time to review risk factors, symptoms and screening options.”

Anyone can develop colon polyps. Risk increases with age, with polyps most common in those 50 and older. Other risk factors for polyps and colorectal cancer include family history of the disease, obesity, diets high in red or processed meats, diets low in fiber, fruits and vegetables, heavy alcohol use, and genetic syndromes such as Lynch syndrome.

“One of the best things you can do for your health is to watch for changes and talk to your health care provider promptly if you have a symptom that concerns you,” Dr. Vande Walle said. “Your health care provider can help determine if it’s something concerning and you need further monitoring or treatment or if only reassurance is needed.”

She advised people to watch for symptoms such as:

· Changes in bowel habits lasting longer than a week.

· Changes in stool color. Blood can show up in streaks or make stool black. Medication or food also can cause a change. However, it’s good to mention any changes to a physician or health care provider.

· Mucus in stool. Stool often contains a small amount of mucus. If there is an increased amount, it should be reported to a physician or health care provider.

· Anemia. Bleeding from polyps can happen slowly over time, without visible blood in the stool. Chronic bleeding may lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which may cause tiredness and shortness of breath.

· Pain. A large colon polyp can block part of the bowel, leading to cramping and belly pain.

“It’s important to recognize that many people with colon polyps or early-stage colorectal cancer do not have symptoms,” Dr. Vande Walle said. “This makes screening critical.”

In 2021, national health organizations began recommending regular colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 45 for people at normal risk. That’s five years earlier than the previous recommended age of 50. The overall rate of people diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer has dropped since the mid-1980s, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). For younger adults, the trend isn’t as promising.

In January 2026, the Journal of the American Medical Association shared a study that identified colorectal cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths in people younger than 50.

“We are still working to understand what’s driving the uptick,” Dr. Vande Walle said. “Getting screened is a key step for early detection – when colorectal cancer is most treatable.”

The ACS outlined the following main colorectal cancer screening options:

o Colonoscopy every 10 years through age 75 if results are normal

o CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every five years

o Sigmoidoscopy every five years

o Highly sensitive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year

o Highly sensitive guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) every year

o Multi-targeted stool DNA test with fecal immunochemical every three years

It’s important to note that if someone chooses a screening test other than a colonoscopy and the result is abnormal, they should get a colonoscopy soon after, Dr. Vande Walle said.

“We encourage people to get screened, period,” she said. “As you’re choosing, know that colonoscopy is the only screening tool that allows us to look at the entire colon and rectum and remove polyps. For a test most people only have to do every 10 years, it’s worth it.”

Those considering a colonoscopy are encouraged to contact their primary care provider for a referral or request an appointment.