Colorectal or colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. However, the disease is highly treatable when discovered early. According to the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the recommended age for colorectal screening for men and women is between the ages of 50 and 75.
There are several factors that increase the chances of a person developing colorectal cancer, they include:
- Family history
- A low-fiber and high-fat diet
- Heavy use of alcohol
- Age- 50 and older
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- A history of inflammatory intestinal conditions
- Race-African American ancestry
Your doctor may recommend a few screening options or perform the following procedures to detect abnormal growths or polyps:
- High-sensitivity fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) – These tests are used by physicians to detect tiny amounts of blood that may be present in feces.
- Sigmoidoscopy- A sigmoidoscope is used to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. During the procedure abnormal growths can be removed for further examination or biopsies.
- Standard colonoscopy- During this procedure the rectum and intestine are examined using a colonoscope. Samples of abnormal growths are also removed for analysis. This tool is able to remove samples from the upper part of the colon-which doctors cannot reach using a sigmoidoscope.
Other screening techniques such as Colorguard, double-contrast barium enema or virtual colonoscopy may also be utilized by your physician.
Scheduling routine screenings is the best method for preventative care but if you are displaying the following symptoms, it is advised that you see a physician right away:
- A change in bowel movements (diarrhea or constipation) that persists for more than four weeks
- Unexplained weight loss
- Rectal bleeding or bleeding in stool
- Persistent abdominal discomfort such as cramps, gas or pain
- Fatigue
- A feeling that your bowel has not emptied completely
To schedule a colorectal screening appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.