3/1/2024
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Posted by Dr. Alan J. Wieder, Fidelis Care Medical Director and Internist
Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Almost 3,000 New Yorkers die from the disease every year. The risk is higher after age 50.
Screening is important and can save lives. When found early, treatment is more likely to be successful. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about colorectal cancer and screening tests.
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
There are often no signs of colorectal cancer at first. If you do have symptoms, they may include:
- A change in bowel habits
- Blood in your bowel movements
- Diarrhea and/or constipation
- Pain, aches, or cramps in the abdominal area
- Unintentional weight loss
When should I get screened?
Early detection and removal of colorectal polyps can decrease the risk of developing cancer. Most individuals should get screened for colorectal cancer regularly, starting at age 45. Your provider may recommend that you get tested earlier than 45, or more often, if you have any of these risk factors:
- Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- A personal or family history of colorectal cancer
- Certain genetic conditions, such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
- Lifestyle factors, such as:
- Lack of exercise
- Diets low in fruits, vegetables, and fiber
- Diets high in fat
- Obesity (overweight)
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
What types of tests are used to screen for colorectal cancer?
Tests are used to screen for different types of cancer when a person does not have symptoms. Your PCP may suggest one of the following tests to screen for colorectal cancer:
- Fecal occult blood test, which checks for hidden blood in stool.
- Sigmoidoscopy, which looks at the lower part of your colon or large intestine.
- Colonoscopy, a test that looks at the inside of the large bowel (colon).
- Virtual colonoscopy, which uses special X-rays to look at the colon.
- DNA stool test, which uses a stool sample to look for signs of colorectal cancer.
Ask your PCP about which test is right for you, and any other screenings you may need.
Sources
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20colorectal,men%20and%20women%20are%20combined.
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/what-is-colorectal-cancer.htm
https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/patient/colorectal-screening-pdq#_13
https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/colorectal-cancer-awareness-month/