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Fayetteville Gastroenterology
2041 Valleygate Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304
Office Phone: 910-323-5203 • Fax: 910- 323-3650
Facts About Colorectal Cancer
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 preventative 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-cancerous 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, while 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.
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 (parents, brothers, and/or sisters, or children) of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
- A family history of multiple cancers, involving the breast, 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. 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 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 (e.g. narrow like a pencil)
- Cramping pain in your lower abdomen
- Frequent gas pains
- Discomfort or the urge to move your bowels when there is no need
- Weight loss without dieting
- Constant fatigue
Call your doctor and schedule an appointment. Only your physician 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 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 is 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 for the procedure. These instructions will be fully explained to you during your gastroenterology office visit
- During the procedure everything will be done to ensure your comfort. An intravenous needle, or IV needle, 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 screening. All Medicare recipients over the age of 50 are entitled to regular colorectal colonoscopy cancer screening, to include 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 diagnosis 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 at an increased risk
- Please discuss colorectal cancer screening with your Primary Care Physician. Do it for those you love the most
