Screening for Life
The Gastroenterology Clinic wants to remind you of the importance of screening for colorectal cancer. Prevention is the key to saving lives. Please take a moment to read the information below and if you meet any of the criteria, we encourage you to see your Gastroenterologist or family physician.


What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway connecting the colon to the anus.


The Second Leading Cancer Killer
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S. but if everyone 50 or older had regular screening tests, at least one third of deaths from this cancer could be avoided.


Who Gets Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer occurs most often in people age 50 and older. Both men and women can get colorectal cancer. The risk increases with age.


Are You at High Risk?
Your risk for colorectal cancer may be higher than average if you or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or cancer, or if you have inflammatory bowel disease. Speak with your doctor about having earlier or more frequent tests if you think you're at high risk for colorectal cancer.


Screening Saves Lives
If you're 50 or older, getting a screening test for colorectal cancer could save your life. 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 they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
  • Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when the chance of being cured is good.


What Are the Symptoms?
People who have polyps or colorectal cancer don't always have symptoms, especially at first. So someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. But if there are symptoms, they may include:

  • Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).
  • Stomach aches, pains, or cramps that happen frequently and you don't know why.
  • A change in bowel habits, such as having stools that are narrower than usual.
  • Losing weight and you don't know why.

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. These symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer. However, the only way to know what is causing them is to see your doctor.


Insurance Coverage
Many insurance plans and Medicare help pay for colorectal cancer screening. Check with your plan to find out which tests are covered for you.


Types of Screening Tests
Several different screening tests can be used to test for polyps or colorectal cancer. Each can be used alone. Sometimes they are used in combination with each other.

Colonoscopy - This test is similar to a flex sig, except the doctor uses a longer, thin, flexible lighted tube to check for polyps or cancer in the rectum and the entire colon. During the test, the doctor can find and remove most polyps and some cancers.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (Flex Sig) - A test in which the doctor puts a short, thin, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum. The doctor checks for polyps or cancer in the rectum and lower third of the colon. Sometimes a flex sig is used in combination with the FOBT.

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) or Stool Test - A test you do at home using a test kit you get from your health care provider. You put stool samples on test cards, then return the cards to the doctor or a lab. This test checks for occult (hidden) blood in the stool.

Colorectal Screening Saves Lives

Screening Definition Begin
Screening		 Preferred
Strategy		 Alternative Strategy
Average Risk Persons age 50 and older are at average risk; no factors for colorectal cancer other than age. Age 50 Colonoscopy once every 10 years. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years plus annual fecal occult blood test.
Higher Risk Multiple first degree relatives* with colorectal cancer before age 60. Age 40 (or 10 years younger than age at diagnosis of the youngest affected relative), whichever is earlier. Colonoscopy every 3-5 years.  
Moderately Increased Risk Single first degree relative* with colorectal cancer diagnosed at age 60 or older. Age 40 Colonoscopy no less than once every 10 years. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years plus annual fecal occult blood test.
Moderately Increased Risk First degree relatives* with adenomas, particularly if diagnosed at age <60 years old. Consider beginning at age 40 or 5 years younger than age at diagnosis of the youngest affected relative, whichever is earlier. Colonoscopy once very 3-5 years depending on strength of family history and findings at colonoscopy.  
Higher Risk Familial polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. Refer to Gastroenterologist Refer to Gastroenterologist Refer to Gastroenterologist
Screening Definition Begin
Screening		 Preferred
Strategy		 Alternative Strategy


*First degree relatives include mother, father, brother, or sister.

Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening
used by permission of the American College of Gastroenterology.