Colorectal Cancer Screening Project
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I at Risk for Developing Colorectal Cancer?
Everyone has a risk of developing Colorectal Cancer. However, your risk depends on several factors. You are at average risk for colorectal cancer if you:
- Are age 50 or older and have no other risk factors.
- Have a family history of colorectal cancer inflammatory bowel disease, colon polyps or cancer of the breast or any gland. Talk to your physician about your risk factors for developing colorectal cancer.
- Other factors that increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer are a diet that is low fiber/high in fat and a sedentary lifestyle.
What are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer begins with no symptoms. However, over time, there are a number of warning signs:
- Rectal bleeding (blood in the stool)
- A change in bowel habits
- Persistent abdominal cramps
- Chronic Diarrhea or constipation
- Fatigue
What Type of Tests are Available?
There are several types of screening tests. Talk with your doctor about which one is best for you.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is a simple test that can be taken in your own home. The test requires a smear sample of your stool on a guaiac card. These cards will be evaluated for hidden blood in the stool. This is a possible sign of colorectal cancer. This test should be done annually.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A physician will insert a lighted flexible tube in the rectum and look for evidence of cancer or pre-cancerous polyps in the lower part of the colon. If a polyp is found, it can be biopsied and sent to a lab to be tested. This test can be performed in a physician's office and should be done every 5 years.
- Colonoscopy: The most thorough of the screening methods. A physician inserts a longer, flexible lighted tube into the rectum and examines the entire colon. If polyps are detected, they can be biopsied for results. This test should be performed every 10 years. For high risk patients, colonoscopy is recommended.
How Do I Prepare for a Test?
Proper preparation is the most important thing you can do to help ensure you get the most accurate screening. Your doctor or a medical professional will give you complete instructions on what to do. Before any test, let your doctor know about any medications you are taking because they can affect the screening results.
Why is Screening so Important?
Screening is important for two reasons:
- Screening allows for early discovery of polyps, when there may not be symptoms and when treatment is most effective, which in turn leads to enhanced survival.
- Colorectal cancer usually starts as a small polyp. Not all polyps are cancerous. Removal of these polyps before they become cancerous can reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
How Can Colorectal Cancer be Prevented?
There is no way to completely eliminate the risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, there is evidence that you can reduce your chance of developing colorectal cancer by doing the following:
- Have a diet that is rich in fiber; eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Avoid foods that are high in fat.
- Exercise regularly
Researchers are also investigating the possibility that some drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, calcium supplements, folic acid and others may help prevent colorectal cancer.
What Facts Relate to Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. More Americans die each year from colorectal cancer that from breast cancer or AIDS. Early detection of colorectal cancer can lead to a five-year survival rate of over 90%.
Minorities, particularly African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in advance stages.
Colorectal cancer is often not dealt with because of the discomfort in dealing with the subject content.
There are not symptoms of colorectal cancer and once a person experiences signs and symptoms it is usually at the late stages of the disease, when a cure is not likely.
Colorectal cancer usually starts as a small polyp. Not all polyps are cancerous. Removal of these polyps before they become cancerous can reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Screening allows for early discovery of polyps, when there may not be symptoms and when treatment is most effective, which in turn leads to enhanced survival.
Colorectal cancer usually affects men and women equally. It is recommended that colorectal cancer screening begin at age 50. Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, colon polyps or cancer of the breast or any gland are in a higher risk category and should begin screening earlier. Talk to your physician about your risk factors for developing colorectal cancer.