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What you need to
know about colon cancer.
If you are 50 or older
you are at risk for colon cancer and you should get tested regularly.
 | Colon cancer is the second leading cancer killer in America, but the
great news is that colon testing can save you life and even prevent colon
cancer. |
| Testing can find non-cancerous colon polyps or colon cancer early,
when they can easily remover or cured. Polyps are small growths that may
into cancer if not removed. |
| Colon cancer is most common in men and women over 50. |
| People with a personal history of polyps, colorectal cancer, or
inflammatory bowel disease, or a family history of colon cancer or polyps
are at higher risk for colon cancer and may need to start being tested
before age 50. |
| A family history of other cancers (breast ovarian, or uterine) may
also raise the one's risk for colon cancer. |
| African Americans and Ashkenazi Jews appear to have higher rates of
colon cancer. |
Early colon cancer often has no symptoms. But, later on,
colon cancer symptoms may include rectal bleeding, stomach cramps, weight
loss, a change in bowel habits, or just feeling tired. If you have any of
the above symptoms, see your doctor to make sure colon cancer isn't the
cause.
How can you lower your risk of colon
cancer?
| Ask relatives about your family's cancer history. |
| Exercise at least 30 minutes on most days. |
| Eat five or more servings of vegetables and fruits daily. |
| Avoid tobacco, and drink alcohol in moderation if you drink at all.
Try to stay at your ideal weight. |
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Screening Test |
Advantages |
Disadvantages/Limitations |
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Fecal
Occult
Blood
Test |
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No bowel
preporation |
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Sampling is done at
home |
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Cheap |
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Proven effective in
clinical trials |
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No Riske of bowl
tears or infection |
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May miss many
polyps and some cancers |
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May produce
false-positive test results |
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Pre-test dietary
limitations needed |
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More effective when
combined with a flexiblesigmoidoscopy every five years
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Additional
procedures necessary if abnormalities are detected |
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Flexible
Sigmoidoscopy |
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Fairly quick and
safe |
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Minimal bowel
preporation |
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Done every five
years |
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Not that
uncomfortable |
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Doesn't require a
specialist |
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Usually views only
about a third of the colon |
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Can't remove all
polyps |
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Very small risk of
infection or bowel tear |
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More effective when
combined with annual fecal occult blood testing |
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Additional
procedures if abnormalities are detected |
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Barium Enema |
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Can usually view
entire colon |
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Relatively safe |
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Done every five
years |
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No sedation needed |
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Can Miss small
polyps and cancers |
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Full bowel
preparation needed |
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Some false -
positive test results |
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Additional
procedures necessary if abnormalities are detected |
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Colonoscopy |
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Can Usually view
entire colon |
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Can biopsy and
remove polyps |
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Done every 10 years |
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Can diagnose other
diseases |
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Can miss small
polyps and cancers |
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Full bowel
preparation needed |
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Can be expensive
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Sedation of some
kind usually needed |
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You may miss a day
of work |
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Higher risks of
bowel tears or infections than other screening methods |
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