What You Should Know
Each year, over 145,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, making it the third most
common cancer in both men and women. And over 56,000 Americans will die from this disease. The key
to success in reducing the number of these deaths is prevention. Early detection is integral to
that process. An awareness of risk factors, knowledge of signs of the disease, and adherence to
screening guidelines can help reduce your chances of developing this malignancy. Two good places
for more information on colorectal cancer are the National Cancer Institute of the National
Institutes of Health at
www.cancer.gov and the American Cancer Society at
www.cancer.org.
Risk Factors
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Personal history of colorectal cancer
- Personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
- Hereditary conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer
- Age 50 or older
- A diet based mainly on animal sources, rather than fruits, vegetables, and grains
- No exercise.
- Obesity
- Tobacco use
Signs of Possible Colorectal Cancer
- Change in bowel habits.
- Bloody stool
- Unusually narrow stools
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
- Abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas pains, fullness, or bloating
- Vomiting
- Constant fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
Colorectal Screening Guidelines
The colorectal screening guidelines shown below were developed by the American Cancer Society
(
www.cancer.org). You can use this information to discuss your own screening options with your
physician.
American Cancer Society Guidelines on Screening and Surveillance for the Early Detection of Colorectal Adenomas and Cancer - Average-Risk Women and Men Ages 50 and Older |
Test |
Interval (beginning at age 50) |
Comment |
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) & flexible sigmoidoscopy |
FOBT annually and flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years |
Flexible sigmoidoscopy together with FOBT is preferred compared with FOBT or flexible sigmoidoscopy alone. All positive tests should be followed up with colonoscopy.* |
Flexible sigmoidoscopy |
Every 5 years |
All positive tests should be followed up with colonoscopy.* |
Fecal occult blood test |
Yearly |
The recommended take-home multiple sample method should be used. All positive tests should be followed up with colonoscopy.*, † |
Colonoscopy |
Every 10 years |
Colonoscopy provides an opportunity to visualize, sample and/or remove significant lesions. |
Double contrast barium enema (DCBE) |
Every 5 years |
All positive tests should be followed up with colonoscopy |
* If colonoscopy is unavailable, not feasible, or not desired by the
patient, DCBE alone, or the combination of
flexible sigmoidoscopy and DCBE are
acceptable alternatives. Adding flexible sigmoidoscopy to DCBE may
provide a more comprehensive diagnostic evaluation than DCBE alone
in finding significant lesions. A supplementary DCBE may be needed
if a colonoscopic exam fails to reach the cecum, and a supplementary
colonoscopy may be needed if a DCBE identifies a possible lesion, or
does not adequately visualize the entire colorectum.
† There is no justification for repeating FOBT in response to
an initial positive finding.
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