Colorectal Cancer

Know the facts

Colorectal cancer, or colon cancer for short, is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. It's one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S. In 2005 (the most recent year for which statistics are currently available):

72,007 men and 69,398 women were diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
26,781 men and 27,259 women died from colorectal cancer.

It's the second leading cancer killer in the United States, but it doesn't have to be. If everybody age 50 or older had regular screening tests, at least one-third of deaths from this cancer could be avoided. So if you are 50 or older, start screening now.

Who Gets Colorectal Cancer?

Both men and women can get colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is most often found in people 50 and older.
The risk for getting colorectal cancer increases with age.

Are You at High Risk?

Your risk for colorectal cancer may be higher than average if:

You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.
You have inflammatory bowel disease.

People at high risk for colorectal cancer may need earlier or more frequent tests than other people. Talk to your doctor about when you should begin screening and how often you should be tested.

Screening Saves Lives

If you're 50 or older, a colonoscopy could save your life. Here's how:

Colorectal cancer usually starts from polyps in the colon or rectum. A polyp is a growth that shouldn't be there.
Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer.
Colonoscopy can find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.
Colonoscopy also finds colorectal cancer early. When it is found early, the chance of being cured is good.

Colorectal Cancer Can Start With No Symptoms

People who have polyps or colorectal cancer sometimes don't have symptoms, especially at first. This means that someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not even know it, which is why having a colonoscopy is so important.

If symptoms to appear, they may include:

Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).
Pain, aches, or cramps in your stomach that happen a lot and you don't know why.
A change in bowel habits, such as having stools that are narrower than usual.
Losing weight and you don't know why.

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. These symptoms may also be caused by something other than cancer. However, the only way to know what is causing them is to see your doctor.

Colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a longer, thin, flexible, lighted tube to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and the entire colon. During the test, the doctor can find and remove most polyps and some cancers. Colonoscopy should be done every 10 years or more often if you are at high risk for colon cancer.

People often put off scheduling a colonoscopy for fear of embarrassment or discomfort, but the entire procedure is completely private, and the patient is mildly sedated and completely comfortable throughout the procedure. Preparation is also minimal, including a restricted diet and mild laxative the day before the procedure which cleanses the colon to allow clearer visuals during the colonoscopy. To view a video from the American Cancer Society about colorectal cancer, click here >>

Insurance Coverage

Most insurance providers, including Medicare, cover colonoscopy. Check with your insurance provider to discuss your coverage.

The Bottom Line

Colorectal cancer can be prevented through regular screening. If you're 50 or older and haven't had a colonoscopy within the past 10 years, please consider scheduling one today.