Colorectal cancer can be treated
successfully if caught early – so screening is very important, even if there
are no symptoms. In early stages, colorectal cancer usually does not have any
symptoms. However, people who have any of the following symptoms should check
with a physician:
- A change in bowel habits
- Rectal
bleeding or blood in the stool
- Abdominal
discomfort or bloating
The exact cause of colorectal cancer is
not known, but factors associated with increased risk are:
- A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- A personal
history of colorectal cancer, polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease
or cancer of the breast, ovaries or uterus
- Being an
African American or an Ashkenazi Jew
- Being
inactive
- Eating
high-fat, low-fiber diets without enough fruits and vegetables
- Smoking
cigarettes
Screening
Guidelines
Beginning
at age 50, men and women at average risk should follow ONE of the five
examination schedules below. Screening guidelines are from the American Cancer Society.
- Colonoscopy – Every 10 years.
- Fecal
Immunochemical Test (FIT) – Every year a take-home FIT or fecal occult
blood test (FOBT), which also is a take-home test, should be taken.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy – Every five years.
- Annual FIT or FOBT AND Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Every Five Years – Having both of these tests is
recommended over either test alone.
- Double-Contrast Barium Enema – Every five years.
All positive tests (FIT, FOBT, flexible
sigmoidoscopy, barium enema) should be followed up with colonoscopy.
Stand Up to Cancer
One of the most common tests is a colonoscopy, which is performed by a gastroenterologist or a colon & rectal surgeon. What’s great about this test is that polyps or pre-cancerous cells can be removed before the cancer is able to grow and spread. Stand Up to Colorectal Cancer. Schedule a colonoscopy today.If you don’t have a physician, call 614-234-LIFE and we’ll refer you to one.
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