| Cancer of the colon and rectum is
called colorectal cancer or CRC. CRC is the second leading cause of cancer
deaths among men and women in the United States. However, if detected
early, colorectal cancer can be cured. With simple preventive steps, you
can greatly reduce your risk of developing the disease. It is important
for you to understand your risks for colorectal cancer, the symptoms, and screening tests that can detect
cancerous growths. Colorectal cancer develops from non-cancer polyps called adenomatous
polyps. A polyp is a grape-like growth on the inside wall of the colon or
rectum. Polyps grow slowly over three to ten years. Most people do
not develop polyps until after the age of 50. Some polyps become
cancerous, others do not. In order to prevent colorectal cancer, it
is important to get screened to find out if you have polyps, and to have
them removed if you do. Removal of polyps has been shown to prevent
CRC.
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| How
do I know if I'm at risk for colorectal cancer? |
 |
You are at average risk for
colorectal cancer:
- If you are age 50 or older and have no other risk factors
You are at increased risk for colorectal cancer if you have the
following risk factors:
- A personal history of adenomatous polyps
- A family history (parent, brothers and/or sisters, or children)
of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
- A family history of multiple cancers, involving the breasts,
ovary, uterus, and other organs
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as
ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
|
| Aren't women at
less risk for colorectal cancer than men? |
|
| Men and
women are equally affected by colon cancer. In fact, colorectal cancer is
the third leading cause of cancer death in women. Also, about 67,000 women
are diagnosed with this cancer each year and more than 49 percent of them
- 28,600 - die from the disease. |
| What are the
symptoms of colorectal cancer? |
|
While
early colorectal cancer may have no symptoms, sometimes there are a number
of warning signs:
- Rectal Bleeding
- Blood in your stool (bright red, black or very dark)
- A change in your bowel movements especially in the shape of the
stool, (narrow like a pencil)
- Cramping pain in your lower abdomen
- Frequent gas pains
- Discomfort in or the urge to move your bowels when there is no
need
- Weight loss without dieting
- Constant fatigue
|
| What should I do
if I have these symptoms? |
|
| Call your
doctor and schedule an appointment. Only your physicians can determine if
your symptoms are due to CRC. |
| Why is screening
important if I have no symptoms? |
|
Screening
is important for two reasons.
- The early stage of CRC - which is when it is most curable -
frequently does not cause any symptoms.
- And, just as important, screening is the only way to find
polyps. If the polyp is removed, it cannot develop into
cancer. Colorectal cancer screening should be done at age 50 for average
risk individuals and at age 40 for those at increased risk.
|
| What is a
colonoscopy? |
|
- The most reliable and accurate CRC screening exam in a colonoscopy.
- Gastroenterology specialists perform a colonoscopy in an outpatient
facility.
- A colonoscopy is a visual examination of the entire large colon by a
camera attached to a flexible tube; the procedure allows for immediate
removal of any abnormal growth.
- There are important steps that must be taken to prepare you for the
procedure. These instructions will be fully explained to you during
the gastroenterology office visit.
- During the procedure everything will be done to ensure your comfort.
An intravenous, or IV, will be inserted to give you medication to make
you relaxed and drowsy.
- You should be able to resume normal activities by the next day.
|
| Insurance
coverage for colorectal screening? |
|
| Check
with your insurance provider to determine if you are eligible for
colorectal cancer screening. All Medicare recipients over the age of 50
are entitled to regular colorectal cancer screening, to include screening
colonoscopy for average risk individuals. |
| Summary: |
|
- Colorectal cancer is the nations number 2 cancer killer, claiming
the lives of 56,000 persons each year, according to the American
Cancer Society
- Screening colonoscopy can prevent cancer by removing pre cancerous
growths (polyps).
- Early detection can diagnose cancerous polyps before they have a
chance to spread.
- Colonoscopy is the preferred screening examination.
- Colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 50 if you are at
average risk and age 40 if you are increased risk.
- Please discuss colorectal cancer screening with your Primary Care
Physician. Do it for those you love the most.
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