Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer affects men and women equally, and it occurs more often in people over age 50. People with a family history and people with inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) face a higher risk at an earlier age.

What is colorectal cancer?

• Colon cancer begins in large intestine
• Rectal cancer begins in the rectum

Sometimes they are referred to together as colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancers begin as a polyp (small harmless growth in the wall of the colon). As the polyp gets larger, it can develop into a cancer that grows and spreads.

Colorectal Cancer

• is a preventable disease
• is almost always curable when detected early
• remains a leading cause of cancer death among nonsmokers

What are the signs?

• Bleeding from your rectum.
• Blood in stools or toilet after a bowel movement.
• Change in shape of your stool.
• Cramping pain in your lower stomach.
• Feeling of discomfort or an urge to have a bowel movement when there is no need to have one.

What are screening tests for colorectal cancer?

Digital Rectal Exam

Your doctor puts gloved finger into your rectum to find any growths.

Fecal Occult Blood Test

Your stool is checked for blood you can't see. Your doctor gives you a test kit to use at home.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Your doctor puts a thin, flexible, hollow tube with light on the end into your rectum. (The tube is connected to a tiny video camera to look at your rectum and lower part of colon.)

Double-Contrast Barium Enema

You are given an enema (injection of fluid into the rectum) that makes your colon show up on x-ray.

Colonoscopy

• You are given medicine to relax you and make you sleepy.
• A thin, flexible tube connected to a video camera is put into rectum.
• The doctor can then look at your whole colon.
• The tube can be used to remove polyps and cancers during the exam.
• It may be uncomfortable but not painful.

When should I be screened?

Most common in older people, start screening at 50.

Sometimes younger if family medical history or high risk. Talk to your doctor about tests; when and which screening test is right for you.

Younger age is higher risk if:

• have had colorectal cancer or large polyps before
• have close relative who has had colorectal cancer
• have ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• have a hereditary colon cancer syndrome

To Lower Your Risks

• Get regular screenings after age 50
• Eat low-fat, high-fiber diet - more fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Eat less red meat (one serving per week)
• Avoid blackened and charbroiled meat
• Take a daily multivitamin
• If you use alcohol, only in moderation
• No tobacco (Alcohol & Tobacco in combination are linked to colorectal cancer)
• Exercise for at least 20 minutes, 3-4 days each week