Who's at Risk
Are you at risk for Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer can affect anyone — men and women alike — and your risk increases with age. However, over 15,000 individuals in the U.S. are diagnosed under the recommended screening age of 50 each year. Some people are at greater risk for the disease than others, they include:
- People with a personal or family history of colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's Disease.
- People with a personal or family history of colorectal, ovarian, endometrial, breast or some other cancers of the GI tract or the female reproductive system.
- People of African-American and Hispanic descent, who are often diagnosed at a later stage of the disease.
- Men and women age 50 or older.
- Individuals who are experiencing symptoms (see below for more details).
Colorectal cancer is preventable, and easier to treat when detected early. Talk with your healthcare provider about what kind of screening test is right for you.
What are the symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
The following are the most common symptoms of colorectal cancer. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. People who have any of the following symptoms should check with their physician(s) to schedule a screening, especially if they have a personal or family history of cancer or colorectal polyps:
- The most common symptom of colorectal cancer is having no symptom at all.
- Feeling of bloated or full in the stomach.
- A change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days.
- Having gas pains.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, which is often visable.
- Cramping or stomach pain.
- Decreased appetite.
- Vomiting.
- Weakness and fatigue.
- Losing weight when you are not trying to.
The symptoms of colorectal cancer may resemble other conditions, such as infections, hemorrhoids and inflammatory bowel disease. It is possible to have colorectal cancer and not have any symptoms.
All the more reason to consult your physician and healthcare provider about what kind of screening test is right for you.
In the News
- Colonoscopies Go HD... Fans around the world are watching sports in High Definition. Now doctors are also using HD technology in screening for colon cancer.
- CBS's Harry Smith Undergoes Televised Colonoscopy... CBS Early Show anchor Harry Smith shared his colonoscopy experience live with TV viewers on March 10th.
- We Survived Colon Cancer... Survivors Katie and Robert Hendrickson tell their story to AOL Health.
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