Screening Guidelines & Risk Factors
for Colorectal Cancer
Who should have a colonoscopy?
-Anyone age 50 or older.
-Anyone that has a family history of colon or rectal cancer.
-Anyone that has a personal history of colon, rectal, ovary, endometrium or breast cancer.
-Anyone that has a history of colon or rectal polyps.
-Anyone with symptoms - rectal bleeding, abdominal or rectal pain or changes in bowel habits.
-Anyone with family members who have had colon or rectal cancer or polyps should begin regular examinations at age 40.
-Everyone without symptoms should begin regular examinations at age 50.
The Facts...
-Colon & Rectal cancer is the second most common cancer overall in the U.S. Between 130,000 and 140,000 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year.
-Between 50,000 and 60,000 people will die of colon cancer in the U.S. this year.
-Colorectal cancer often has no symptoms at the onset.
-Most colorectal cancers start as benign polyps which are easily removed, and if discovered early, makes this cancer preventable.
-Colorectal cancer occurs at a higher rate in the Tri-State area than in other parts of the country.