Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives

The second most common cancer deaths are the result of colorectal cancer.
It can be prevented, treated, and cured, before it worsens.

To schedule your screening, please call one of our Adult Medicine locations:

In Salisbury – (410) 546-6650
In Princess Anne – (410) 651-1000
In Pocomoke – (410) 957-1852

What is colon cancer?

Cancer of the colon or rectum is called colorectal cancer. It develops in the digestive tract from polyps that are initially benign. If polyps grow unnoticed and are not removed, they may become cancerous. Colorectal cancer is the number 2 cancer killer in the United States, yet it is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Colorectal cancer is often curable when detected early. FOB tests that detects occult blood in stool specimen are a great aid in finding precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.

Risk Factors

Colorectal cancer risk is roughly equal in men and women. The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age and is most common after age 50. You are at High Risk if you have:

• Personal history of colorectal cancer or
  colorectal polyps
• A strong family history of the disease
• Inherited forms of colorectal polyps or cancer
• Predisposing chronic digestive condition such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)

The Symptoms

Colon cancer symptoms may be few or nonexistent — patients may be asymptomatic for many years — which is a primary reason why screening should begin at age 50, or earlier for those at higher risk. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Change in bowel habits (frequency, quality, and consistency of stools)
• Bloody stools or rectal bleeding
• Stools with mucus

What are the options for colon cancer screening?

Doctors recommend two main tests for colon cancer screening. You should talk to your doctor about the best test for you.

1. Stool test: A yearly at-home test that looks for hidden blood in the stool. This test is recommended for patients who have an average risk for colon cancer.
2. Colonoscopy: A procedure that looks for polyps.

Ask your doctor about getting screened for colorectal cancer today.