Approximately 3,450 people in Tennessee will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2025 — and another 1,360 people will die of the disease.

Yet Tennessee has one of the lowest rates of screening for colon cancer in thecountry.

“Colorectal cancer screening is critical to prevention and early treatment,” says Dr. Lisa Staton, a medical director for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. “It could save your life. So, don’t be afraid to get screened.”

Why the low rate of screening matters

Dr. Staton: Tennessee has a higher incidence rate of colorectal cancer than the national average: 38.7% in the state compared to 36.4% nationally.

Tennesseans are less likely to get screened for colorectal cancer compared to the national average. About 57% of adults aged 45-75 in Tennessee have had one or more recommended screening tests, while the national average is around 62%. This lower screening rate is important because it means more people might not be diagnosed until they have advanced cancer, which can be harder to treat. It can also lead to higher death rates. Increased screening rates can help to improve health outcomes and reduce the impact of colorectal cancer in Tennessee.

Why don’t more people in Tennessee get screened?

Dr. Staton: It’s a combination of factors. They include misconceptions about colorectal cancer and the need for screening:

• Some people may not understand how serious this disease can be.
• Some don’t realize how important early screening is.
• It often doesn’t have symptoms in the early stages, so people may think they don’t need to get screened.
• Some think they don’t need to get screened unless they have a family history of colorectal cancer.

Also, some people are hesitant to undergo screening for colorectal cancer. They may have heard other people talking about colonoscopies and the prep required. They don’t realize that colonoscopy is one of several types of screening.

Screening may reduce the chances of getting or dying from colorectal cancer. When you get screened, your doctor may find small polyps that could develop into cancer. Colorectal cancer may be more easily treatable if it’s caught early.

How you can get screened

Dr. Staton: People at average risk for colorectal cancer should begin screening at age 45. (If you’re at increased risk, your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings.)

There are three types of tests for colorectal screening::

Stool-based tests: These tests examine feces for blood hidden in the stool. They include tests such as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), the fecal occult blood test (gFOBT), and multitargeted stool DNA or RNA tests with fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) such as Cologuard or ColoSense.

Visual exams: This includes colonoscopy, where a tiny camera is threaded into the colon. A sigmoidoscopy is another test that only examines the lower part of the colon.

Blood-based tests: These tests look for signs of cancer in a blood sample.

Each test has its own advantages, so talk with your doctor about what’s appropriate for you. Your doctor can also answer questions about each kind of test. For example, colonoscopy prep is simpler than it used to be. Your doctor can talk with you about the options to help you figure out which test best meets your needs.

“Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, even though it’s preventable and treatable,” says Dr. Staton. “If you are 45 years old or older, or have a family history of colorectal cancer, talk with your doctor about scheduling a screening.”

More from Dr. Staton on WellTuned

Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.