Who is at risk?
Anyone over age 50 without other risk factors is at risk for developing colorectal cancer. People with a family history of colon cancer and those with a history of prior polyps are at increased risk.

What causes colon cancer?
A diet high in fat may contribute to your chance of developing colon cancer. A family history of colon cancer or polyps also increases your chance of developing colon cancer. Most cases of colon cancer start in benign polyps which grow slowly in the colon and can progress to cancer. If these silent polyps are found and removed, the progression to cancer is halted.

What are the symptoms?
In the early stages, there are no symptoms. That is why regular screening is so important. As the cancer progresses, any of the following symptoms may be present: persistent change in bowel movement patterns, bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort or pain, unexplained weight loss, or signs of a bowel obstruction.

Why is early detection so important?
According to the American Cancer Society, when colon cancer is found early the patient has a 91% chance of survival. Unfortunately, only 37% of colon cancers are found at this stage. Once the cancer spreads, survival is only 7%. Is it best to screen appropriately and remove polyps before they become cancers.

What is the recommended screening?
The American Cancer Society recommends an annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and an annual digital rectal examination at the age of 50;
Additional testing that is recommended at the age of 50 includes EITHER:

1. Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years; OR
2. Colonoscopy, recommended every 10 years, or if the FOBT is positive or adenomatous polyps are found on sigmoidoscopy; OR
3. Double contrast barium enema, recommended every 5 to 10 years, or if FOBT is positive or adenomatous polyps are found on sigmoidoseopy.

The FOBT detects blood in the stool by testing the stool with a chemical. This is a simple test but can be negative even in the presence of a polyp or cancer, as these can bleed intermittently. To increase the odds of detecting blood, stool is collected on three separate occasions. You should be on a high fiber diet and avoid red meat, vitamin C, aspirin and iron for 3 days prior to occult blood testing. Cauliflower, horseradish, red radishes, turnips, broccoli and cantaloupe can also interfere with the test and should be avoided during the three days prior to the test.

The fecal occult blood test kit can be obtained from your nurse. Return the completed kit and a lab requisition to our office or to the lab as directed.   Our office will contact you if the test is positive.

If you are at high risk for colon cancer, or are over the age of 50, you should make an appointment for an additional screening test - barium enema, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.  Contact your primary care giver or ask our staff for a referral.

Sigmoidoscopy allows the visualization of the inside of the rectum and the last section of the colon using a fiberoptic flexible endoscope. The sigmoidoscope is inserted through the anus and guided into the lower colon. The screening procedure is usually performed in the doctors office by a family doctor, internist or gastrointestinal specialist.

A barium enema is an X-ray study in which dye is instilled into the colon by a Radiologist. The lining of the colon is visualized on the X-ray and polyps and areas of abnormalities can often be detected.

A colonoscopy is a fiberoptic procedure performed by a Gastroenterologist or Surgeon to visualize the entire length of the colon. It is the procedure of choice for people with known polyps, a positive FOBT, or who are at high risk for colon cancer.