Colorectal cancer screening routine after age 50

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Colorectal cancer is one of the more serious common -- and potentially deadly -- cancers in the United States. With proper identification of high-risk people and screening, colorectal cancer often can be detected early and cured.



Colon cancer is cancer of the lower part of the digestive system, known as the large intestine. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last part of the colon. Together, they are the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.



The symptoms of colorectal cancer include abdominal pain, bleeding from the rectum, a change in bowel habits (either constipation or diarrhea) and weight loss. People with any of these symptoms should see their physician as soon as possible. The danger in many cases of colorectal cancer is there are no symptoms until the tumor is large and has spread, making a cure difficult and unlikely. For this reason, early detection through proper screening is essential.



The treatment of colorectal cancer is evolving. Surgery is the primary treatment. Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy are sometimes used, depending upon the location, size and spread of the tumor. There is a large amount of research being done to find the best treatment for colorectal cancer.



A diet low in fat and with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, combined with regular exercise, may decrease your risk of colorectal cancer. Limiting alcohol consumption and stopping smoking also may decrease the risk of developing colorectal cancer.



Screening means testing for the presence of a disease in its early stages before symptoms appear. Most colon cancers develop from polyps. Screening can detect polyps before they become cancerous. Only 10 percent to 30 percent of Americans over the age of 50 years undergo any type of regular screening for colorectal cancer. By 50 years of age, we should all have routine screening for colorectal cancer.



Genetic testing has made it possible to identify some people at high risk for colorectal cancer. Although people with a family history of colorectal cancer are at increased risk for developing the disease, everyone, male or female, 50 and older is at increased risk, and should be screened. If you do have a family history of colorectal cancer, you should begin screening earlier. The screening tests are relatively easy.



Kaynak: SağlıkHaber