Early Detection Is Key
Colorectal cancer is cancer in the colon or rectum. It is a leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. But when this cancer is found and removed early, the chances of a full recovery are very good. Because colorectal cancer rarely causes symptoms in its early stages, screening for the disease is important. It’s even more crucial if you have risk factors for the disease.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests that both men and women be screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 45. The gold standard diagnostic test is the colonoscopy. If no precancerous polyps are found, you may not need to have the test repeated more than once every 10 years.
Risk factors can include:
- If you have a family history of colon cancer, rectal cancer, or adenomatous polyps, you may need to be tested earlier and more often.
- Race and ethnicity: for colorectal cancer, African Americans have the highest incidence and mortality rates in the US. Ashkenazi Jews have one of the highest risks in the world.
- Hereditary syndromes: about 5% of people who develope colorectal cancer have inherited gene mutations. These may include: Lynch syndrome, famililial adenomatous polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syntrome, or MUTYH-associated polyposis.
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Type 2 diabetes.
Take the National Cancer Institute's colorectal cancer risk assessment here
Over 45? Schedule a screening with a specialist
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