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EARLY DETECTION/SCREENING
FOR COLORECTAL CANCER
Strang's recommendations
for screening are largely consistent with those of the American Cancer
Society and the National Cancer Institute.
Colon cancer is a significant problem in the United States. Women with
a history of breast cancer are at increased risk of developing colon cancer.
A family history of colon cancer or colon polyps, along with other types
of cancer may also predispose them to colon cancer. Most cancers of the
colon arise from pre-existing polyps, which are benign. Detection and
removal of these precancerous lesions allows us to interrupt the polyp-cancer
sequence of cancer development.
Most polyps and early cancers of the colon bleed slowly at a rate that
cannot be seen by the naked eye. Simple chemical slide tests of the stool
can reveal the presence of "occult blood." Regular testing of
the stool for the presence of occult blood has been shown to aid in the
detection of polyps and potentially curable cancers.
Screening flexible sigmoidoscopy reduces the risk of developing and dying
from colon cancer. Screening sigmoidoscopy can detect and remove precancerous
growths known as polyps. Usually this can be done in the office without
surgery or hospitalization. For some individuals, a full examination of
the entire colon (colonoscopy) may be indicated. The screening recommendations
below may vary depending on your individual risk factors.
SCREENING
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COLON CANCER
AGE 40:
Annual digital examination of the rectum.
AGE 50:Annual stool slide test for occult blood.
AGE 50: Baseline flexible sigmoidoscopic examination, then repeated
every 3-5 years.
ANY
INDIVIDUAL OVER AGE 40 WITH OCCULT BLOOD IN THE STOOL:
Complete colonoscopic examination.
ANY INDIVIDUAL WITH A FIRST DEGREE RELATIVEWITH
A HISTORY OF COLON POLYPS OR CANCER Complete colonoscopic examination
at age 40;this examination should be repeated every 3-5 years.
SYMPTOMS OF COLORECTAL CANCER
Individuals who have any of the following symptoms should check with their
doctor:
· A change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing
of the stool that lasts for more than a few days
· A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not
relieved by doing so
· Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
· Cramping or steady abdominal (stomach area) pain
· Decreased appetite
· Weakness and fatigue
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