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COLORECTAL CANCER INFO

WHAT IS COLORECTAL CANCER?

Colorectal cancer happens when cells that are not normal grow in your colon or rectum. These cells grow together and form tumors. It is the second cause of cancer death in the United States.

RISK FACTORS:

Everyone is at risk at getting colorectal cancer but the risk increases for those:

• Are 50 years of age
• Have family history (parents, brothers & sisters and children)
• Have evidence of or previous polyps in the colon and rectum
• Have High fat diet
• Have a lack of exercise
• Are smoking

SYMPTOMS:

Colorectal cancer in its early stages usually doesn't cause any symptoms. Symptoms occur later, when the cancer may be more difficult to treat.

• Pain in the lower belly
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Blood in your stool or very dark stools
• A change in your bowel habits (such as more frequent stools or a feeling that your bowels are not emptying completely)
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

PREVENTION/SCREENING:

Cancer prevention is action taken to lower the chance of getting cancer. Screening is looking for cancer before a person has any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat.

There are five tests commonly used to screen for colorectal cancer:

• Fecal Blood test - a test to check stool for blood that can only be seen with a microscope.
• Sigmoidoscopy - a procedure to look inside the rectum and sigmoid (lower) colon for polyps, abnormal areas, or cancer.
• Digital Rectal Exam ( DRE ) - an exam of the rectum
• Colonoscopy - a procedure to look inside the rectum and colon for polyps, abnormal areas, or cancer

The American Cancer Society recommends a colonoscopy every 10 years for persons 50 years and above (with no colorectal cancer family history).

To be eligible for Montgomery County Cancer Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, you must:

• Live in Montgomery County
• Uninsured or under-insured
• Low Income (must meet Federal Poverty Guidelines)
• 50 yrs and above
• Have no current diagnosis of colorectal cancer

For more information, please call 240.777.1222