Skip to Main Content

Can I Get Colorectal Cancer?

Date: 03/04/23

Colorectal cancer occurs most often in men and women who are 45 years old or older, and the risk increases with age. If you are 45 or older, talk to your health care provider about getting a colorectal cancer screening.  

You may be at increased risk of getting colorectal cancer if:

  • You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.
  • You have inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.
  • You have a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).

People at increased risk for colorectal cancer may need earlier or more frequent tests than other people. If you think you may be at increased risk, talk to your health care provider about the screening tests that are right for you. As a Louisiana Healthcare Connections member, these screenings will come at no cost to you.

Remember: Louisiana Healthcare Connections members ages 45-75 earn $50 in healthy rewards when they complete their colorectal cancer screening.

Learn more about colorectal cancer screenings by visiting  www.LouisianaHealthConnect.com/colorectal50.

Need help? Call us at 1-866-595-8133 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., if you would like help scheduling your screening or finding a ride.