Colorectal Cancer:
Screenings Could Save Your Life

There's good news about colorectal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate is 90% if the cancer is caught and treated at an early stage. Regular screenings can help detect abnormalities before they become cancerous.

Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that develops in the rectum or colon. You should be screened regularly if you are age 50 or older, if you are at higher-than-average risk or if you exhibit symptoms such as blood in the stool or a change in bowel habits. Your health care professional can recommend an appropriate screening schedule.

Tests include:

Digital rectal exam. Often part of a routine physical, the health care provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for abnormal areas.

Fecal occult blood test (FOBT). This test can detect tiny amounts of blood in
the stool.

Double-contrast barium enema. After the patient is given an enema containing a barium solution, the lining of the colon is X-rayed.

Sigmoidoscopy. A slender, lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope is inserted and used to view the rectum and lower colon.

Colonoscopy. A longer version of the sigmoidoscope, a colonoscopy allows the physician to view the rectum and the entire colon. This test is usually performed under sedation.

Virtual colonoscopy. Computed tomography is used to scan the colon and rectum. However, if a polyp is discovered, conventional colonoscopy must be performed in order to remove it.

Act Now
Being tested for colorectal cancer is nothing to be embarrassed or squeamish about. Talk with your health care provider about colorectal cancer screening. It could save your life.