Colorectal Cancer Screening    

Colorectal Cancer
Who should be screened?
The American Cancer Society suggests the following guidelines for early detection of colorectal cancer:

TABLE HERE
Population
Test or Procedure
Frequency
Men and women, age 50+
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) & flexible sigmoidoscopy
Annual FOBT and flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, starting at age 50
or
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Every 5 years, starting at age 50
or
FOBT
Annual, starting at age 50
or
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy every 10 years, starting at age 50
or
Double contrast barium enema (DCBE)
DCBE every 5 years, starting at age 50

What is colon/rectum cancer?
Cancer of the colon/rectum, a common form of cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the tissues of the colon or rectum. The colon and rectum are parts of the body’s digestive system. The purpose of the digestive system is to remove nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and water) from the foods eaten and to store the waste until it passes out of the body. The digestive system is made up of the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. The last 6 feet of intestine is called the large bowel or colon and the last 8-10 inches of the colon is the rectum.
A doctor should be seen if a person has a change in bowel habits or if there is any bleeding from the rectum and according to the screening guidelines.
For more information on colorectal cancer, click here.