Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is the second
leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Every year, about 140,000
Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 people die
from it. But this disease is highly preventable, by getting screened beginning
at age 50
Things
you should know
·
Screening should be done
between the ages 50 t0 75 regularly. Screening tests help prevent colorectal
cancer by finding precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) so they can be
removed. Screening also finds this cancer early, when treatment can be most
effective.
Fast Facts
·
Risk increases with age.
More than 90% of colorectal cancers occur in people aged 50 and older.
·
Precancerous polyps and
colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. You could have polyps or
colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why having a screening test is so
important. If you have symptoms, they may include—
o Blood in or on the stool (bowel movement).
o Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that do not go
away.
o Losing weight and you don’t know why.
These symptoms may be caused by something other
than cancer. If you have any of them, see your doctor.
·
Some people are at a higher risk than others for developing colorectal cancer. If
you think you may be at high risk, talk to your doctor about when and how often
to get tested.
o Colonoscopy
(every 10 years).
- High-sensitivity
fecal occult blood test (FOBT), stool test, or fecal immunochemical test
(FIT) (every year).
- Sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years, with FOBT every three years). Reference http//cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/featurescoloroctalwareness/
/
No comments:
Post a Comment