Are You at Risk for Colorectal Cancer?

Are you at risk for colorectal cancer?

About 50,000 people die from colorectal cancer each year, even though colorectal cancer is highly preventable.

Adults ages 50 to 75 should be regularly screened in some form for colorectal cancer, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and every day, Lakeland Regional Health urges you to know your family history, pursue a healthy lifestyle and get regular screenings.

Screening tests help prevent colorectal cancer by finding precancerous polyps so they can be removed. There are several screening test options:

  • Colonoscopy (every 10 years)
  • High-sensitivity guaiac fecal occult blood test or fecal immunochemical test (every year)
  • Sigmoidoscopy (every 10 years, with FOBT or FIT every three years)
  • Sigmoidoscopy alone (every 5 years)
  • Stool DNA test every one or three years
  • CT colonography every five years

Those with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, however, may need to be tested earlier than age 50, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. You are at risk if:

  • You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.
  • You have an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.
  • You have a genetic syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome.

In addition to being screened, you should:

  • Be physically active
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Not smoke

Symptoms of colon cancer are not always obvious. They can include:

  • A change in bowel habits
  • Persistent abdominal discomfort
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Weakness or fatigue

Our gastroenterologists are highly skilled at helping you determine which screening would be best for you. To schedule a screening or to talk about symptoms you are experiencing, call our Gastroenterology team at 863.687.8335.

Should you or a loved one need an oncologist, we also offer superior cancer care at the Hollis Cancer Center, 863.603.6565.

 

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