The Laborers Health & Wellness clinics are here for you and all of your preventive care and well-being needs.

Colorectal (colon) cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. It’s a cancer that can be prevented or detected at an early stage – when it’s most effectively treated. That’s why it’s so important to follow screening guidelines.

Don’t wait for symptoms

Colon cancer screenings look for cancer or precancer in people who have no symptoms. Many people with colon cancer or rectal cancer don’t experience symptoms in the early stages of the disease.

Latest guidance: Start at age 45

American Cancer Society recommends that men and women begin colon cancer screenings at age 45. The starting age used to be 50, but this was updated in 2021 because colon cancer in younger people has increased. Your

Colonoscopies

Doctors use colonoscopies to check the lining of your colon for anything unusual, such as inflamed tissue and polyps (small growths that can become cancerous). Your doctor can detect and remove precancerous lesions during the procedure, helping prevent cancer in the future.

FIT tests

A relatively new screening alternative is FIT tests. These are annual stool tests that look for the presence of blood in your stool, which can be a sign of colon cancer. A FIT test is noninvasive, convenient and collected right at home.

We’re here to help

Talk to your Laborers Health & Wellness care team about all your preventive care needs. We can discuss your risk factors and help you decide whether a colonoscopy or FIT test is right for you. Schedule an appointment at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.