Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in this country. It
can be detected early through screening tests. Thousands of lives could
be saved each year through screening, yet many people who should be
tested are not.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer refers to cancer of the colon or rectum, both of which
make up the large intestine (or large bowel). This cancer usually starts
as small benign polyps. Not all polyps turn into cancer, and those that
do usually take 5 to 15 years to become cancerous. So removing small
polyps early can actually help prevent this cancer.
What are the symptoms?
In early stages of colorectal cancer, there are often no symptoms. This
cancer is most curable when found before it causes symptoms – thus the
importance of regular testing.
When symptoms do occur, they might include:
Changes in bowel habits
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool (bright red or very dark)
Abdominal cramps or frequent gas pains or bloating
Frequent diarrhea or constipation
Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Should you be tested?
Talk with your health care provider about testing if:
You are age 50 or older
You are at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer; for
example, if you:
Have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer
Have polyps in your colon or rectum
Have a history of endometrial, ovarian, or breast cancer
Have inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis)
What test should you have?
Men and women age 50 and older should be screened in one of the
following ways:
Colonoscopy every 10
years: This is a precise procedure in which a long flexible tube
is used to examine the full length of the colon. This test
allows for a close check of the lining of the rectum and the
entire colon (lower bowel). If polyps are seen, they can be
removed for further testing.
Fecal occult blood test every year: This is a simple screening
test to find unseen blood in the stool, which can be a sign of
cancer in the colon or rectal area. Your health care provider may
give you a kit with instructions on collecting your own stool
samples at home.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
every 5 years. This test allows for a close check of the lining
of the rectum and part of the colon (lower bowel). A flexible
tube is passed into the anus and advanced slowly to the sigmoid
colon. If any area appears abnormal, a small tissue sample can
be taken and sent to the lab for further study.
Both the fecal occult blood test (every year) and
sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years).
Double contrast barium enema every 5 years. This is a series
of x-rays of the colon and rectum. It does not allow removal of
any abnormal tissue for testing.
What else can you do?
To keep yourself as healthy as possible and decrease your risk of
cancer:
Eat a well-balanced diet and keep your weight in check.
Exercise regularly.
Don't smoke.
Limit your alcohol intake.
Discuss your risk factors with your health care provider,
and have regular preventive testing as recommended for you.
Talk with your health care provider if you have questions or need more
information about colorectal cancer screening. You might also want to
visit the following Web sites:
DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this site is intended for
general information and educational purposes. It is not intended to
replace the advice of your own physician. Contact your physician if you
believe you have a health problem.
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in this country. It
can be detected early through screening tests. Thousands of lives could
be saved each year through screening, yet many people who should be
tested are not.