Any day is a good time to learn more about colorectal cancer cancer of the colon and rectum and how it can be prevented or best treated. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for both men and women combined.
This year, approximately , new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed and 56, people will die from the disease. But colorectal cancer is a disease that can be prevented through regular screenings, a healthy diet and regular exercise. Many people have growths in their colon called polyps. While these are often not cancerous, certain types of polyps can become cancerous over time. Finding and removing them during a screening colonoscopy not only allows the doctor to test for early signs of cancer; it removes potential sources of cancer.
For this reason, you should not wait to have a colorectal cancer screening. For people at average risk, screening should begin at age Screenings are generally repeated every 10 years unless results from the colonoscopy suggest a higher risk for cancer. Family history and other health considerations may increase your personal risk of colorectal cancer and require a unique screening schedule.
For example, if a close blood relative had colorectal cancer, screening should begin 10 years before the age at which your relative was diagnosed, and repeated more frequently. Screening may also be recommended if you experience symptoms of colorectal cancer at any age, including rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits, or abdominal pain or weight loss of unclear cause.
Colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure. Patients fast and drink a laxative liquid to clear out the colon the evening before the test is scheduled.
