Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion
See Public Health Differently
Public health enhances quality of life in Montana by supporting healthy living in your community. From ensuring tobacco-free public spaces to helping health care providers improve patient care, it touches everyone in Montana – from birth to death. Our Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Bureau is working for you.
What's New from Montana Cancer Control Program
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Health in the 406 is recognizing this important month by sharing information that helps Montanans stay proactive about their health. A new podcast episode focused on colorectal cancer awareness will be released March 19th and is available wherever you listen to your podcasts or at https://dphhs.mt.gov/healthinthe406/talking.
What Is Colorectal Cancer Screening?
Colorectal cancer often begins as small polyps that form in the colon or rectum. Screening looks for polyps before they turn into cancer and can also detect cancer early when treatment is most effective. Screening is for people who do not have symptoms. When symptoms are present, diagnostic tests are used to determine the cause.
USPSTF Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends routine colorectal cancer screening for adults ages 45 through 75. For adults ages 76 through 85, screening is based on an individualized assessment with a healthcare provider who can consider overall health, prior screening history, and potential benefits.
People with higher risk factors, including inflammatory bowel disease, a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or certain genetic conditions, may need to begin screening earlier or be screened more often. A healthcare provider can guide individuals toward the screening schedule that best fits their health needs.
Click the link learn more about USPSTF’s colorectal cancer screening guidelines.
Types of Tests
Several colorectal cancer screening options are available. Some tests can be completed at home and mailed to a laboratory, while others are done in a clinic or healthcare setting.
For a full overview of available colorectal cancer screening methods, visit the CDC’s “Screening for Colorectal Cancer” page.
