Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer Is Preventable, Treatable, And Beatable
Colorectal Cancer (also known as Colon Cancer or Rectal Cancer) is cancer of the colon and rectum. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and is equally common in men and women. With recommended screening, this cancer can be prevented (by removing polyps before they become cancerous) or detected early, when it can be more easily and successfully treated. Most colon cancer deaths are preventable by early detection.

If you are at average risk for colorectal cancer, start having regular screening at age 50. If you are at greater risk, you may need to begin regular screening at an earlier age. The best time to get screened is before any symptoms appear. Use the information below to help you discuss screening options with your physician.

Who Should be Screened?

Screening should start at age 50 for men and women or earlier if symptoms occur or if advised by your physician.
People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or benign (not cancerous) colorectal polyps
People with a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as long standing ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

How To Reduce Your Risk

Be physically active and exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy weight
Limit red meat consumption and avoid processed meats
Don't use tobacco
Don't drink alcohol excessively

What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
Early stages of colorectal cancer do not usually have symptoms. Advanced stages may cause:

Rectal Bleeding or blood in or on the stool
Changes in bowel habits or stools that are narrower than usual
Stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness, or cramps)
Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
Constant fatigue
Vomiting

**** IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT SYMPTOMS MAY NOT BE PRESENT!!! THIS IS THE KEY REASON TO SCHEDULE REGULAR COLON SCREENINGS ****

How is the Screening Done?
The most commonly used procedure is called colonoscopy and is generally performed by a gastroenterologist, suregeon or another specialist of the gastrointestinal tract. It involves a bowel cleansing process the afternoon prior to your procedure. The procedure is most often performed with sedation. The physician will look through the colon with a flexible tube called a colonoscope, this instrument provides a direct visual of the colon and any abnormalities. If a polyp is found during the procedure, the physician will remove the polyp to prevent further growth. Polyps have the potential of becoming cancerous.

Colon Cancer Patient Self-Assessment Survey
Answer the following six questions to determine if you are at risk of developing polyps or colorectal cancer:

Are you 50 years or older?
Have you had a colorectal polyp or cancer in the past?
Has anyone in your family had polyps or colorectal cancer?
Do you eat more fats than fiber?
Have you been diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's Disease or ulcerative colitis?
Have you noticed persistent changes in your bowel habits?

If you answered "yes" to one or more of the questions above, you are at risk for developing colorectal polyps or cancer. Please contact your physician to discuss the results of this survey, other risk factors and to review the screening options that are best available to you.

Note: The Colon Cancer Patient Self-Assessment Survey is NOT intended to diagnose colon cancer or polyps, but is used as a tool to determine risk factors for colorectal cancer.

Other Types Of Colorectal Screening:

Colonoscopy: Every 10 years
Virtual colonoscopy: Every 5 years
Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Every 5 years
Double-contrast barium enema: Every 5 years
Fitway take home colon cancer screening test. Learn more about this new test by clicking here.

Any abnormal result of a virtual colonoscopy or double-contrast barium enema, as well as a positive FOBT, FIT or sDNA test, should be followed up with a colonoscopy.

Treatment
Surgery is the most common treatment. When the cancer has spread, chemotherapy or radiation therapy is given before or after surgery.

Are You Eligible For a Free Colonoscopy?
Find out if you are eligible for a FREE colonoscopy covered by your healthcare provider by visiting the following link:
http://stopcoloncancernow.com/about-your-health/free-screening-colonoscopies.

Colorectal Cancer

Who Should be Screened?

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