Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Black men and women. Black people have the second-highest incidence of colorectal cancer in the US, following the Alaska Native/American Indian population. Incidence rates are about 20% higher in Black people than in White people among both men and women.
Early Detection is Key!
Screening for colorectal cancer is the No. 1 way you can prevent colon cancer and rectal cancer. With screening, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are also highly treatable if caught early. That’s why on-time screening is essential and lifesaving. Screening should begin at age 45.
Reducing Your Risk
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Regular exercise
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Maintain a healthy weight
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Manage Type 2 Diabetes
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Stop Smoking
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Maintain a Healthy Diet
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Types of Screenings
Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is a procedure a doctor uses to look at the inside of the colon and rectum with a colonoscope, which is a long, flexible tube about the width of a finger with a light and small video camera on the end. It’s put in through the anus and into the rectum and colon.
Stool Test: Blood can often be found in the stool from polyps in the colon and small cancers can cause small amounts of bleeding.
When to Get Screened
For people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. Average risk is someone who does not have
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a family history of colon cancer
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a personal history of colon cancer or certain polyps
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a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease or a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
People who are in good health should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through the age of 75. For people ages 76 through 85, the decision to be screened should be based on a person’s preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history.
People at increased or high risk of colorectal cancer might need to start colorectal cancer screening before age 45, be screened more often, and/or get specific tests.
Increased risk or high risk is someone who has;
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strong family history of colon cancer or certain types polyps
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personal history of colon cancer or certain types of polyps
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personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
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a known family history of hereditary colon cancer syndrome
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a personal history of radiation to the belly or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer
Signs and Symptoms
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Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control.
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The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus.
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Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps may turn into cancer.
What is Colon Cancer?
Additional Resources
