What is colorectal cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society^®, colorectal cancer is a cancer that begins in the colon or rectum. Generally, colorectal cancers begin as growths (called polyps) that can develop into cancer over time.

Why is screening for colorectal cancer important?

Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 50,000 people will die from it in the United States in 2018. If detected early in stage I, colorectal cancer is often treatable, with the 5-year survival rate at an average of 90%. Once the disease spreads, though, the survival rate plummets to less than 10%.

Early-stage colorectal cancer can be found through routine colorectal cancer screenings, but only 40% of colorectal cancers are found in stages I or II. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 30% of American adults, who should be screened for colorectal cancer, have never been screened. Incorporating a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) as part of employer-sponsored wellness programs is a non-invasive, cost-effective way to help employees stay up to date on their colorectal cancer screenings.