LIVING HEALTHY is published for the members and community partners of CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ALLIANCE FOR HEALTH, 1600 Green Hills Road, Suite 101, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, telephone 831-430-5500 or 800-700-3874, ext. 5505, website www.thealliance.health. Information in LIVING HEALTHY comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Editor Randi Motson Quality and Health Programs Supervisor Ivonne Muñoz www.thealliance.health At every life stage. For any health condition. Trusted, no cost Medi-Cal health care from a local team that understands you. The Alliance—your ally in being your healthiest self. We are texting members! The Alliance texts members to help them keep up to date on Alliance benefits and services. Alliance texts are from the short code 59849. To learn more, visit our website at www.thealliance.health/member-texting. What to know about colorectal cancer screenings What is a colorectal screening? Why is it important? At a colorectal screening, your doctor checks to see if you have any precancerous polyps (small clumps of cells) or signs of colorectal cancer. The screening checks for disease even if you don’t have symptoms. It is important to check for cancer through regular screenings. Early treatment works best to help prevent serious health issues! Screening tests are as simple as a stool test. The test is usually done every one to two years in people 45 to 75 years old as part of an annual exam. Some people need a colonoscopy. This is when the doctor sees the inside of the intestine using a flexible tube. It is important for a doctor to decide the best screening test for you. Am I at risk for colorectal cancer? Colorectal cancer is more commonly found in adults ages 65 to 74. However, there has been an increase in colorectal cancer in adults 40 to 49 years old. You might be more likely to develop colorectal cancer if: ■ You have inflammatory bowel disease. ■ Someone in your family has had colorectal cancer or polyps. Your lifestyle can also affect your risk level for colorectal cancer. This can include diet, exercise and the use of alcohol and tobacco products. When should I get screened for colorectal cancer? If you are 45 to 75 years old, you should be screened for colorectal cancer. Does the Alliance cover colorectal screening? Yes. You can be screened for colorectal cancer at no cost to you. How do I set up a screening? Talk to your doctor. Let them know if you have questions. 8
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