Get the Facts
Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal
cancer—cancer of the colon or rectum—is the second leading cause
of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer
also is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United
States.
The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with
advancing age. More than 90% of cases occur in people aged 50 or
older.
Reducing Your Risk
Colorectal
cancer screening saves lives. However, many people who are at
risk for the disease are not being screened according to
national guidelines.
It is estimated that as many as 60% of colorectal cancer
deaths could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or
older were screened routinely. In most cases, colorectal cancer
develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the
colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps,
so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
Screening tests also can find colorectal cancer early, when
treatment works best.
Some studies show that increased physical activity and
maintaining a healthy weight may decrease the risk for
colorectal cancer. Evidence is less clear about other ways to
prevent colorectal cancer.
Currently, there is no consensus on the role of diet in
preventing colorectal cancer, but medical experts recommend a
diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and
whole grain products to reduce the risk of other chronic
diseases, such as coronary artery disease and diabetes.
In addition, researchers are examining the role of certain
medications and supplements, including aspirin, calcium, vitamin
D, and selenium, in preventing colorectal cancer. While these
supplements may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer,
the most effective way to reduce your risk is by having regular
colorectal cancer screening tests beginning at age 50.
When Should You Begin to Get Screened?
You should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after
turning 50, then continue getting screened at regular intervals.
However, you may need to be tested earlier or more often than
other people if:
- You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or
colorectal cancer; or
- You have inflammatory bowel disease.
If you are aged 50 or older, or think you may be at increased
risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor about getting
screened.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends
screening for colorectal cancer for all people until they reach
75 years old and for some people when they are older than 75. If
you are in this age group, ask your doctor if you should be
screened.
What Are the Screening Tests for Colorectal Cancer?
Several
tests are available to screen for colorectal cancer. Some are
used alone; others are used in combination with each other. Talk
with your doctor about which test or tests are best for you.
These screening tests are recommended by the USPSTF:
- Colonoscopy (every 10 years).
- High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT) (every
year).
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years).
In addition to these tests, some groups also recommend the
double contrast barium enema as a screening test (every 5
years). Other tests are being evaluated and may be recommended
by the USPSTF for use in colorectal cancer screening in the
future, including CT colonography (also known as “virtual
colonoscopy”) and stool DNA testing.
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