Why It’s Never Too Late to Prioritize Colorectal Health

The news of Catherine O’Hara’s passing on January 30, 2026, hit many of us hard. Whether you knew her as the frantic but loving mother in Home Alone or the eccentric, wig-wearing Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, she was a constant, comedic presence in our lives for decades.

Recently, the official cause of death was released, citing a pulmonary embolism with rectal cancer as the underlying cause. The news was a reminder of how quickly things can change and that no one is immune to illness.

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But it also sparked something important. In my own circle, one of the “Hog-eye” girls recently shared in our group chat that she had just completed her latest colonoscopy. That one message, a simple “all clear!”, opened the floodgates. We started talking about our fears, the “prep,” and why some of us had been putting it off.

If you are over 60, you might feel like you’ve “missed the window” or that if something were wrong, you’d know by now. Today, let’s debunk that myth. It is never too late to take control of your health, and frankly, the options for doing so have never been easier.

The Reality of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (which includes both colon and rectal cancer) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, there is a massive silver lining that often gets lost in the statistics: it is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer if caught early.

Because colorectal cancer usually starts as small growths called polyps, screenings don’t just “find” cancer, they can actually prevent it by identifying polyps before they ever become malignant.

Why the 60+ Conversation is Different

When we were in our 40s, the “C-word” felt like something that happened to other people. Now that we’ve crossed the 60-year mark, our risk profile changes. According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence of colorectal cancer increases significantly as we age.

However, many of us hesitate because we remember the “horror stories” of the prep from twenty years ago. The good news? The medical world has listened! The procedures are more refined, the prep liquids are often lower-volume, and there are even non-invasive options that didn’t exist when we were younger.

Colonoscopy vs. At-Home Tests: Which is Right for You?

This is the number one question that came up in my friend group’s chat. We are lucky to live in an era of choice, but it’s important to know what you’re choosing.

1. The Colonoscopy (The “Gold Standard”)

• What it is: A doctor uses a tiny camera to look inside the entire colon while you are sedated.
• The Big Plus: If the doctor sees a polyp, they can usually remove it right then and there. It is a one-stop shop for prevention and diagnosis.
• The “Catch”: It requires a day of “prep” (clearing your system) and a ride home because of the sedation.
• Frequency: Usually every 10 years if results are normal.

The benefits of a colonoscopy often depend on your overall health and previous screening history. For adults over 75 to 80, many doctors suggest weighing the benefits against the risks more carefully, as the risk of complications can increase slightly with age while the long-term benefit of finding slow-growing polyps may decrease.

2. At-Home Stool Tests (like Cologuard or FIT)

• What it is: You collect a sample at home and mail it to a lab. It looks for DNA changes or blood that could indicate cancer.
• The Big Plus: No prep, no sedation, and you can do it in your pajamas.
• The “Catch”: These tests are better at finding existing cancer than preventing it. If the test comes back positive (even if it’s a false positive), you must have a follow-up colonoscopy anyway.
• Frequency: Usually every 1 to 3 years.

The Verdict: If you are at average risk and absolutely cannot or will not do a colonoscopy, an at-home test is infinitely better than doing nothing. But for most of us over 60, the colonoscopy remains the most thorough way to ensure peace of mind.

Common Risks Associated with Colonoscopy vs Home Tests

Feature	At Home Test (Stool-based)	Colonoscopy
Physical Risk	None (Non-invasive)	Small (Bleeding, perforation)
Cancer Detection	High (Approx. 75-92%)	Very High (Approx. 95%+)
Polyp Prevention	None (Can’t remove polyps)	High (Removes polyps on site)
Frequency	Every 1 -3 years	Every 10 years (if normal)

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

The next time you’re in for a check-up, don’t wait for the doctor to bring it up. Use this checklist to start the conversation:

1. “Based on my family history and my last screening, what is my current risk level?”
2. “Am I a candidate for an at-home DNA test, or do you recommend a colonoscopy for me?”
3. “I’m worried about the ‘prep’. Are there newer, low-volume options available?” (The answer is almost always yes!)
4. “How does my age (60+) affect the frequency of my screenings?”
5. “Are there any symptoms I should be looking for between screenings?”

We lost a legend in Catherine O’Hara, but we don’t have to lose the lesson. If my friend’s “all clear” message taught me anything, it’s that there is a relief in knowing you’ve done the work to stay on this planet a little longer.

So, call your doctor. Send that text to your friends. Let’s make “the talk” about colon health as normal as talking about the weather!

Medical Disclaimer
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.

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