Cancer survivor: Know your CRC screening options

Birmingham Real-Time NewsUnderstanding your options could save your life: op-edThis is a guest opinion columnOctober is Health Literacy Month, a time to focus on helping people better understand their health and make informed decisions about their care options. That matters when it comes to cancer screening. Knowing that screening matters is a start, but people also need clear information about when to begin and which options are available.My parents are two people who know the necessity of understanding the available options. They were responsible for taking care of me when I was diagnosed with cancer at five and a half years old. When a softball-sized tumor was found enveloping my kidney, they did all they could to learn about my diagnosis and the available options. Treatment was a necessity, and they did all they could to make sure they were well-versed in the options available to me. It has been 16 years since I was declared cancer-free, and every day I am so grateful for the options and information that were available to my parents.As an adult, making sure I understand my health and all possible options is my responsibility. And I’ve learned that understanding those choices can make it easier to act and take that first step. This is especially true for colorectal cancer (CRC). Most people know they need to get screened for CRC. They have heard their doctor mention it, their friend brings up the prep they are doing for a colonoscopy, or they’re even done some research into getting screened. But unfortunately, over 54 million Americans are still not up to date on their screenings, and CRC is now the leading cause of cancer-related death for people under 50, despite the American Cancer Society lowering the age of recommended screening from 50 to 45. In Alabama, the need is even more pressing. Our state ranks among the top 10 nationally for CRC incidence rates. These numbers are alarming, but they don’t tell us why people aren’t getting screened. What I have learned as an advocate is that often, it’s not that people don’t care. They are skipping screening because the traditional process is complicated and more inconvenient than it seems worth.For many people, the word “screening” brings to mind colonoscopy preparation, discomfort or time away from work. Those concerns can make it tempting to delay a conversation or put screening off altogether. But knowing what a test involves, and having a chance to discuss concerns with a healthcare provider, can help people decide what feels manageable and what is medically appropriate for them. That is a problem solved by increased health literacy.Clear information about the available options can help address those barriers and make it easier for people to take the next step. Today, colonoscopies are no longer the only option for screening. Options like Guardant Health’s Shield blood test, the leading blood test for CRC detection and first to receive FDA approval, are helping more people get screened by offering a quick and easy blood draw that can be completed at a regular doctor’s appointment. Learning about options like this can help people see that screening may be different from what they imagined, and that’s important because the best screening method is the one that gets done.That doesn’t mean one test is right for everyone. Screening options can differ, and a healthcare provider can help explain which are appropriate for each person. Health literacy is an ongoing effort for all of us. For colorectal cancer screening, that starts with knowing the recommended screening age, learning what options are available and asking questions when something is unclear.As October comes to a close, I encourage you to ask your doctor about the screening options available to you. My experience taught me how much it matters to have clear information and people who can help guide you through difficult health decisions. Make time to understand your options and take the next step for your health. It may save your life.Hannah Adams is a childhood cancer survivor and Miss Alabama first runner-up in 2025.