Colon and Rectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, but it doesn't have to be. If everyone aged 50 years or older had regular screening tests, at least 60% of deaths from this cancer could be avoided.  So, if you are 50 or older, start getting screened now.

Preventable / Treatable / Beatable

Screening Saves Lives
 

If you're 50 or older, getting a colorectal cancer screening test could save your live.  Here's how:
  

• Colorectal cancer usually starts from polyps in the colon or rectum. A polyp is a growth that shouldn't be there.
• Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer. Screening tests can find polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
• Screening tests also can find colorectal cancer early. When it is found early, the chance of being cured is good.
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 Are you at High Risk for Colorectal Cancer?
 

Your risk for colorectal cancer may be higher than average if:

• You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.
• You have inflammatory bowel disease.
• You have a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or Lynch syndrome.

People at high risk for colorectal cancer may need earlier or more frequent tests than other people. If you have concerns, make an appointment with Dr.  Connors. She will review your personal and family medical history and make a recommendation for your testing.

Colorectal Cancer can start with No Symptoms

Precancerous polyps and early-stage colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. This means that someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why having a screening test is so important.

This information was obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.  For more information access the website by clicking here:  CDC Website