Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, but it is possible to prevent it! Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon or rectum. It is also often called colon cancer. Colorectal cancer occurs in both men and women of all racial and ethnic groups. It is most common in those 50 years of age and older.
Symptoms
Colorectal cancer and pre-cancerous polyps do not always cause symptoms, especially early on. Some symptoms that may occur are:
- Blood in or on stool
- Stomach pains or cramps
- Unexplained weight loss
Once these symptoms are experienced, the cancer may have progressed to a later stage. This is why screening tests are so important.
Screening
Colonoscopies are the most common screening tests for colorectal cancer. They are not, however, the only tests available. Which test you choose and when and how often to be screened depends on many factors including:
- Age
- Family history or predisposition for colorectal cancer
- Personal health history
Screening tests can find pre-cancerous polyps and remove them before they turn into cancer! For more information, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website or call the City-County Health Department at 406-454-6950.