DOVER, Del. (Sept. 21, 2026) — In Delaware, colon cancer is among the top four most commonly diagnosed cancers and a leading cause of cancer deaths. Colon cancer rates are also increasing globally, particularly among adults younger than 50. To help raise awareness about the importance of colon cancer screening and prevention, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has launched a new campaign urging adults at average risk to begin screening at age 45.
“Nearly all forms of colon cancer can be prevented with early screening,” says Helen Arthur, DPH Section Chief, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. “With this new campaign, we want to raise awareness about the lowered colon cancer screening age and the different ways people can get screened.”
A colonoscopy remains the best way to screen for colon cancer. Patients typically receive sedation to prevent pain or discomfort during a colonoscopy. A health care provider can also find and remove polyps that could become cancerous.
But adults can also choose to do a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) at home, collecting a sample of their stool and sending it to a lab for testing.
Screening for both men and women should begin at age 45. People at average risk should receive a colonoscopy every 10 years if results are normal. Other screening methods, including FIT, may need to be completed more frequently. Talk to your health care provider to determine your risk level.
“Another important part of this campaign is understanding risk factors for colon cancer,” explained Arthur. “If you have had polyps previously or have a family member who has had colon cancer, you could be at increased risk. Also, adults with type 2 diabetes or a history of inflammatory bowel disease are at higher risk.”
HealthyDelaware.org/colon has resources for anyone looking to better understand their colon cancer risk and screening options. The site can also connect Delaware residents to nurse navigators who can help them get screened, whether or not they have insurance, through Screening for Life.
“We lose roughly 170 Delawareans each year to colon cancer,” said Arthur. “A simple screening can literally save lives. That’s the message we want to stress with this new campaign.”
Delawareans will become aware of the colon cancer campaign messaging through multimedia platforms including social media, partnerships with local businesses and organizations, and in the news media. For more information about colon cancer screening recommendations, symptoms, and risk factors, visit HealthyDelaware.org/Colon.
About the Division of Public Health
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or speech-disabled can contact DPH by first dialing 711 using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free; to learn more about how it works, visit delawarerelay.com