At Risk
- Men and women age 50
and older
- People who use
tobacco, are obese or are sedentary
- People with a
personal or family history of colorectal
cancer or benign (not cancerous)
colorectal polyps
- People with a
personal or family history of
inflammatory bowel disease, such as long
standing ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s
disease
- People with a family
history of inherited colorectal cancer
Risk Reduction
- Be physically active
and exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy
weight.
- Eat a high-fiber diet
rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans
and whole grains.
- Consume calcium-rich
foods like low-fat or skim milk.
- Limit red meat
consumption and avoid processed meats.
- Don’t smoke.
- Don’t drink alcohol
excessively.
Early Detection
If you are at
average risk for colorectal cancer, start
having regular screening at age 50. If you
are at greater risk, you may need to begin
regular screening at an earlier age. The
best time to get screened is before any
symptoms appear. Use this guide to help you
discuss screening options with your health
care professional. Consider one of the
following:
Screening intervals for
tests that find pre-cancer and cancer:
- Colonoscopy: Every 10
years
- Virtual colonoscopy:
Every 5 years
- Flexible
sigmoidoscopy: Every 5 years
- Double-contrast
barium enema: Every 5 years
Screening intervals for
tests that mainly find cancer:
- Fecal occult blood
test (FOBT): Every year
- Fecal immunochemical
test (FIT): Every year
- Stool DNA test (sDNA):
Ask your health care professional
Any abnormal result of a
virtual colonoscopy or double-contrast
barium enema, as well as a positive FOBT,
FIT or sDNA test, should be followed up with
a colonoscopy.
Symptoms
Early stages of colorectal cancer do not
usually have symptoms. Advanced disease may
cause:
- Rectal bleeding or
blood in or on the stool
- Change in bowel
habits or stools that are narrower than
usual
- Stomach discomfort
(bloating, fullness or cramps)
- Diarrhea,
constipation or feeling that the bowel
does not empty completely
- Weight loss for no
apparent reason
- Constant fatigue
- Vomiting
Treatment
Surgery is the most common treatment. When
the cancer has spread, chemotherapy or
radiation therapy is given before or after
surgery.
