Get Screened

"It's too personal to talk about." "I don't understand how the test works." "I'll get tested if I start feeling bad." " Look, I feel fine." "I'm scared they'll find something." "I'm not old enough to get colorectal cancer."

These are some of the excuses people use to avoid getting tested for colorectal cancer. If you're 50 or older, or if you experience symptoms at any age, you need to be screened. You have the power to stop colorectal cancer before it starts by getting a colonoscopy and removing any polyps. Plus, colorectal cancer is more easily treated and often curable when detected early.

Colorectal cancer starts with a growth that is not cancer yet. Screening can help your doctor tell if there is a problem and some tests can find a growth (otherwise known as polyps) before it becomes cancer.

You owe it to yourself and the people who love you to take care of yourself. Make these screening tests a part of your healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about getting tested for colorectal cancer.

Beginning at age 50 (or earlier if you have a family history or are experiencing symptoms):

  • Have a colonoscopy every 10 years. Have all non-cancerous polyps removed.

Or

  • Have a yearly fecal occult blood test, fecal immunochemical test or guaiac-based fecal occult blood test.

Or

Have a sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema or CT colonography every 5 years.

If you have a personal or family history of cancer, colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, breast, uterine, endometrial cancer, or some other cancers of the GI tract or female reproductive organs, talk to your doctor about early screening. More frequent testing may be appropriate.

No matter how young or old you are, see a doctor for a colonoscopy immediately if you have any symptoms.

Talking with your Healthcare Provider about Colorectal Cancer

Screening tests for colorectal cancer can save 30,000 lives each year. These tests not only detect colorectal cancer early, but also can prevent colorectal cancer by the removal of non-cancerous polyps before they become cancer. When you turn 50 years old, or if you are younger and have a personal or family history of cancer, colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or ovarian, endometrial, or breast cancer, or of some other cancers of the GI tract or female reproductive system, or if you are experiencing symptoms, you need to talk to your healthcare provider about colorectal cancer screening tests.

Here are some questions to help you begin this important conversation:

  • I just turned 50 years old. Should I be tested for colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer?
  • I don't have any family history of cancer or colorectal polyps. Should I still be screened?
  • My medical history and/or my family medical history put me at an increased risk for colorectal cancer. Should I be screened at a younger age and more often?
  • I understand that there are a number of screening tests available; can you tell me about each of these tests and their pros and cons?
  • I don't know which screening test is appropriate for me now. Which test do you recommend and why?
  • Will you perform the test? If not, who will?
  • Will I be awake or asleep during the test?
  • Will the test hurt?
  • How will I learn the results of the test?
  • What kind of follow-up care will I need if the test shows a problem?
  • If the tests show nothing's wrong, when should I be tested again?
  • What is the cost of these tests? Will my insurance cover the cost?

Colorectal cancer is preventable and easy to treat when detected early. Talk with your healthcare provider about what kind of screening test is right for you.

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