Prevention
The cause of most colorectal cancer is not known. However, it is possible to prevent many colon cancers by finding and removing polyps that could become cancerous. Beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk for the development of colorectal cancer should follow one of the five screening options listed below:
- Yearly fecal occult blood test or fecal immunochemical test
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 3-5 years
- Yearly fecal occult blood test or fecal immunochemical test plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
- Double contrast barium enema (x-rays of the colon and rectum) every 5 years
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
Be sure to discuss these cancer screening tools with your doctor to see which option is best for you.
People with any of the following risk factors should begin colorectal cancer screening earlier at age 40 and/or undergo screening more often:
- Strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Known family history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes
- Personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
- Personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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