March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This is a good time to talk about some of the common myths people have about colon and rectal cancer.

Myth 1: If I don’t have any symptoms, I don’t need to be screened.

Unfortunately, colorectal cancer usually has no symptoms in its early stages. This is why proper screening is so important to your health. All men and women who are age 45–75 should have regular screenings for colorectal cancer. Those with a personal or family history of polyps or colorectal cancer or a history of inflammatory bowel disease or rectal bleeding will need screening before age 45. In addition, women who have a personal or family history of ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer may need to be screened earlier. Ask your doctor what is the best age for you to begin screening.

Myth 2: Colorectal cancer is almost always fatal.

Colorectal cancer can often be cured if it is found early. In fact, over 90% of patients who have colorectal cancer that is confined to the colon or rectum are alive at least five years after diagnosis according to the National Cancer Institute. If the disease has spread beyond the wall of the colon or rectum it is harder to treat successfully. This is why early detection is so important.

Myth 3: There is nothing I can do about getting colorectal cancer.

Not true! You can decrease your risk of colon cancer in several ways. Begin regular colon cancer screening tests starting at age 45. This is the best way to lower your risk. Most colon cancers start from polyps that are not cancerous. The polyps can be detected and removed before they turn into cancer. There are different ways to check for colorectal cancer. These include colonoscopy, Cologuard, and Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). Talk to your primary care provider about which one is right for you. Increasing physical activity and eating a diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains may also reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Learn more here.

Myth 4: I don’t have to worry about colon cancer if I am under age 50.

Unfortunately, rates of colorectal cancer in adults under age 50 have risen substantially since the mid-1990s. This is why national cancer screening guidelines were changed to recommend that people begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. You can learn more about the early signs of colorectal cancer in younger adults here.

Myth 5: Health insurance doesn’t pay for colorectal cancer screening.

The fact is that most health plans do cover colorectal cancer screening, including colonoscopies. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires both private insurers and Medicare to cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests. This has made colorectal screening easier for everyone.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. However, it is also a preventable cancer with proper screening and lifestyle behaviors. So please don’t miss your colorectal cancer screening when the time comes! You can learn more about how colorectal cancer develops here.