Colorectal health resources

The evidence behind the reminder.

Administrative failures shouldn't be fatal. We make sure they're not.

*This page is for educational purposes. ClearPath GI is not a clinical resource and does not provide medical advice. Talk to your physician about your personal screening schedule.

The screening gap: where the U.S. stands

Colorectal cancer is highly preventable — yet millions of eligible adults still aren't screened.

67.4% of U.S. adults aged 45–75 were up to date with CRC screening in 2023
Fewer than half of adults aged 45–49 were up to date on CRC screening in 2023
~59% of Americans over 45 are up to date with screening on average
80% national screening target for adults 45 and older

Why colonoscopy works — and why timing matters

Colonoscopy is the only screening test that can remove precancerous polyps during the same visit.

91% five-year relative survival for localized colorectal cancer
53% reduction in CRC mortality after colonoscopic polypectomy
76.3% national CRC screening rate in 2023

The follow-up gap: reminders actually work

Getting screened once isn't enough if the reminder to return never arrives.

EMR reminders doubled surveillance follow-up (44.7% vs 22.6%)
SMS reminders nearly doubled follow-up adherence (70.3% vs 47.1%)

Early-onset colorectal cancer: a growing concern

Rates among adults under 50 have been climbing for decades.

Early-onset CRC incidence is rising in 27 of 50 countries
U.S. early-onset CRC rate: 14–17 per 100,000
CRC incidence in adults under 50 increases 2% per year since 1994

Common findings during a colonoscopy

Most findings are benign or easily removed. Flip a card to learn what each finding means.

Polyps

Tubular adenoma

The most common type of precancerous polyp. These are benign growths that are removed to prevent future cancer development.

Dysplasia

Abnormal cell growth within a polyp. It is graded as low-grade or high-grade and indicates how closely the cells resemble cancer.

Villous adenoma

A type of adenomatous polyp with finger-like projections. They tend to grow larger and carry a higher risk of turning cancerous.

Tubulovillous adenoma

A polyp containing a mixture of tubular and villous growth patterns. These are also precancerous and are routinely removed.

Hyperplastic polyp

A common, typically benign growth usually found in the lower colon. They have a very low likelihood of becoming cancerous.

Inflammatory polyps

Non-cancerous polyps that develop as a response to chronic inflammation, such as in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Sessile serrate polyp

A flat precancerous lesion with a saw-toothed microscopic appearance. They are often harder to find but are fully removed.

Others

Lymphoid aggregate

A normal collection of immune cells (lymphocytes) in the lining of the colon, commonly representing a healthy immune response.

Diverticulosis

Small pouches that bulge outward through weak spots in the colon wall. Very common with age and typically harmless unless inflamed.

Hemorrhoids

Swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. They are a common cause of painless rectal bleeding found during screening.

Skin tags or hypertrophied anal papillae

Small, harmless overgrowths of skin or tissue near the anal opening, often resulting from past irritation or minor inflammation.

Fissure

A small tear in the lining of the anal canal, which can cause discomfort or minor bleeding during bowel movements.

AVMs or telangiectasias

Arteriovenous malformations or dilated blood vessels on the colon lining that can sometimes be a source of bleeding.

Inflammation, ulcers

Areas of redness, irritation, or open sores on the lining of the colon, which may be caused by infections, medications, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Current screening guidelines (summary)

Individual schedules depend on your risk, prior findings, and family history — always follow your physician's recommendation.

Every 10 years

Average-risk adults with a normal colonoscopy and no polyps

Every 5–10 years

1–2 small tubular adenomas removed at a prior colonoscopy (low-risk)

Every 3 years

3–4 small tubular adenomas, or high-risk adenoma characteristics

Every 1 year

10 or more adenomas, or other high-risk findings per endoscopist judgment

Earlier than age 45

Family history of CRC or advanced polyps in a first-degree relative under 60; genetic syndromes (Lynch, FAP, etc.)

Guideline summary based on ACS, USMSTF, and USPSTF recommendations. Source: ACS Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines

The evidence is clear. Is your next screening on the calendar?

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