Screening Can Save Your Life

After lung cancer, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The disease affects both men and women.

Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon (large intestine) or rectum. A polyp, which is a small growth of tissue, can form in these areas of the digestive system. A polyp is not cancer, but it can change over time and turn into cancer. Colorectal cancer screenings don't just identify early stages of cancer. They could save your life by finding polyps and removing them before they grow into cancer.

Screening Guidelines

At age 50, everyone should begin regular colorectal cancer screenings. Your doctor might start screenings earlier based on risk factors. A test may only be needed once every 10 years for a person without specific risk factors.

The Department of Health recommends a colonoscopy as the best way to do colorectal cancer screenings. A number of other screening and diagnostic tests are available. Talk with your doctor about which type is best for you.

Order a free Colorectal Cancer Information Kit online or request one from the Learn To Live Line at 410-222-7979.

You are at risk for colorectal cancer if you say yes to any of these:

• Are over age 50
• Have a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or cancer
• Have a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
• Eat a diet high in fat and low in fiber
• Are physically inactive
• Are obese
• Smoke
• Are a female who has more than one alcoholic drink a day or a male who has more than two alcoholic drinks a day
• Have been diagnosed with any inherited condition that increases risk of colorectal cancer

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer may have no symptoms at all until late in the disease. However, if you have any of the following symptoms, see your doctor:

• Blood in the stool
• A change in bowel habits
• General abdominal discomfort
• Frequent gas or abdominal pain
• A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness and tiredness

How to reduce your risk?

Screening for polyps and removing them decreases your risk of colorectal cancer. You should do the following to reduce your colorectal cancer risk:

• Get colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50
• Eat a diet high in fiber and low in fat
• Lose excess weight
• Quit smoking
• Exercise regularly

Get a FREE screening

LifeScreen is the Department of Health's Colorectal Cancer Screening Program that provides free colonoscopies. Screenings are available to Anne Arundel County residents who are:

• Between the ages of 50-64
• Uninsured
• Income eligible

Call the Learn To Live Line at 410-222-7979 for additional information.

Hot Links!

View these Web sites for more information about colorectal cancer.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Cancer Institute
• American Cancer Society

Anne Arundel County Department of Health Links:

• REACH
• Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening
• En Español

Let's work together to promote healthier living in Anne Arundel County.