Colon and Rectal Cancer Screening

Tests that find polyps and cancer

• flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years*

• colonoscopy every 10 years

• double contrast barium enema every 5 years*

• CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years*

Tests that mainly find cancer

• guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) every year*,**

• fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year*,**

• stool DNA test (sDNA), interval uncertain*

*Colonoscopy should be done if test results are positive.
 **For both gFOBT and FIT based screening, the take-home method should be used and the manufacturer’s specimen collection instructions should be followed. A gFOBT or FIT done during a digital rectal exam in the doctor's office is not adequate for screening.

If you can not afford a colonoscopy (the gold standard for screening) or a barium enema combined with a sigmoidoscopy (almost as effective) or it is not available where you live contact us for information on how we can help.

Screening Is For Everyone

Almost all of the information you will read and the commercials you will see urge everyone to be screened at 50 years of age. For African Americans screening is recommended at age 45. Perhaps, even a few years earlier if you have a history of colon cancer in your family. There are even individuals and organizations that are lobbying to lower the standard age for which screening is recommended. The fact of the matter is ,this year approximately 13,000 young men and women will be diagnosed with colon cancer. That represents almost 10% of all new cases in the United States alone. We will not try to explain all of the economic, insurance, political, medical, or personal reasons why this is the case.

Does it matter what the statistics indicate if you, your spouse, your child, or someone you love or care about is diagnosed with colon cancer?

At any age:

If you experience any stomach discomfort, bleeding in your stool, or sudden weight loss, please contact your physician today.

People should talk to their doctor about starting colorectal cancer screening earlier and/or being screened more often if they have any of the following colorectal cancer risk factors:

• a personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps

• a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis)

• a strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps (cancer or polyps in a first-degree relative [parent, sibling, or child] younger than 60 or in 2 or more first-degree relatives of any age)

• a known family history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC)

If you are not confident that your doctor is providing you with the correct information, or is not investigating the possibility of colon cancer immediately get a second opinion DEMAND THE PROPER DIAGNOSIS AND CARE. It’s you and your loved one’s lives at stake!

Risk Factors For Colon Cancer

Know the risk factors in developing colon cancer.

They include:

• A personal history of colorectal polyps, previously treated colorectal cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease

• Race : African Americans are more likely than other racial or ethnic groups to get colorectal cancer

• Being physically inactive

• Eating a diet high in fat (especially from red meat)

• Obesity

• Smoking

• Alcohol use

• Eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables

• Having a family history of colorectal cancers, certain other cancers, and benign colon polyps (Fewer than 10% of colorectal cancers are caused by inherited gene mutations.)

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