Memorial Cancer Institute Reaches Out to the Community to Increase Awareness of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer Screenings
The most common forms of colorectal cancer screening are:
- COLONOSCOPY
An examination of the entire colon and rectum with a lighted instrument - FEACAL OCCULT BLOOD TEST
A chemical test for blood in the stool - SIGMOIDOSCOPY
An examination of the lower colon and rectum with a lightened instrument - VIRTUAL COLONSCOPY
A computed tomography (CT) can to evaluate the colon
March 2005 — Did you know that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for American men and women? Yet, many people know little about this disease, their personal risk factors, and the importance of regular colorectal cancer screenings. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and Memorial Cancer Institute has joined with organizations across South Broward to increase awareness about colorectal cancer.
Evaluating Risk
In terms of risk for colorectal cancer — cancer of the colon and rectum — people generally fall into three categories: those with symptoms of colorectal cancer, those with a family history of the disease, and those with no symptoms and no family history of colorectal cancer. Those who have a parent or sibling with colorectal cancer are three times more at risk.
Colorectal cancer typically develops from polyps (tissue growths) in the colon. Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include a change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, fatigue and weight loss. Many people do not present any symptoms, however, which is why regular screenings are essential.
It is important to talk to your physician about appropriate screening methods and the recommended schedule for you. People with no symptoms or family history of colorectal cancer should begin regular screenings — a yearly fecal occult blood test and rectal exam — by at least age 50. If a fecal occult blood test is positive, a colonoscopy should be performed.
Effective Treatment
Early detection of cancer can increase the chance for a cure. If tests indicate colorectal cancer, surgery may be necessary to remove cancerous tissue of the colon or rectum. Treatment also may involve pre-operative chemotherapy or radiation, or post-operative combinations of radiation and/or chemotherapy.
If you are concerned about your risk for colorectal cancer and would like a referral to a physician, call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.