| Programs / Education / Learn / Colorectal Cancer |
|
Education | Screening & Detection | Patient Services |
|
|
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, African Americans, and Hispanics. It is estimated that nearly 60,000 people will die this year due to colorectal cancer.
Despite these hard statistics, hope can be found in regular screenings. It is estimated that nearly 30,000 lives could be saved annually through screening. Since 90% of colorectal cancer occurs in people over the age of 50, it is currently recommended by doctors that everyone be screened starting at age 50. Screening is important in detecting and removing polyps (which can turn into cancer), and diagnosing inflammatory bowel diseases and cancer.
Screening Recommendations
Regular screening should be started at age 50. We recommend consulting your doctor about one or more of the following:
- A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year
- A sigmoidoscopy every five years
- A colonoscopy every ten years
- A double-contrast barium enema every five years
Note: People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, and women with a personal history of uterine or ovarian cancer and men with a history of kidney or bladder cancer may need to be screened earlier.
Colonoscopy
Among the screening methods now in use, colonoscopy seems to be one of the most popular and effective screening measure for colorectal cancer. In a colonoscopy, the patient is sedated and the doctor views the walls of the rectum and colon by inserting a thin, lighted tube and studying the projected images on a video monitor. Often, if polyps are detected, they can be removed during the same procedure. However, there is a new screening measure that is less invasive than the traditional colonoscopy called, virtual colonoscopy.
Virtual Colonoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy, also known as CT colonography, uses an x-ray machine linked to a computer to generate unique 2- and 3-D images of the colon and rectum that can be manipulated for better viewing angles and stored for later study. The procedure does call for the insertion of a rectal tube to push air into the colon for a better view. No sedation is required, people can return to work the same day, and the procedure is about 30 minutes shorter. However, just like with traditional colonoscopy, patients must take laxatives and fast 24 hours prior to screening.
Colorectal Cancer Resources
Colorectal Cancer Screening: Questions and Answers
Colon Cancer Alliance
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
|
