Colon Cancer Screening
UCLA Digestive Diseases, Colon Cancer Real Questions
Colon Cancer Facts*
- 141,210 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2011.
- In both men and women, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death.
- The majority of these cancers and deaths could be prevented by applying existing knowledge about cancer prevention and by increasing the use of established screening tests.
- Screening tests include:
- Stool tests for occult blood
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Consult your physician to determine the preferred test for you
*According to the American Cancer Society
How Screenings Can Save Your Life!
Screening has the potential to prevent colorectal cancer because most colorectal cancers develop from adenomatous polyps. Polyps are noncancerous growths in the colon and rectum. Though most polyps will not become cancerous, detecting and removing them through screening can actually prevent cancer from occurring. Furthermore, being screened at the recommended frequency increases the likelihood that when colorectal cancer is present, it will be detected at an earlier stage, when it is more likely to be cured, treatment is less extensive, and the recovery is much faster.
Risk Factors You Cannot Avoid
- Age - The chances of having colorectal cancer go up after age 50
- Heredity and family history
- Past diagnosis of colorectal cancer
- Having chronic inflammatory bowel disease
- Some racial and ethnic groups such as African Americans and Jews of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews) have a higher colorectal cancer risk
Lower Your Risk: These may reduce the risk of colon cancer, but are not absolutely proven to do so.
- Participate in moderate activity for at least 30 minutes, 5 or more days per week
- Stay your ideal weight
- Eat a healthy diet that includes a variety of vegetables and fruits and has limited red and processed meats and reduced fats
- Control Type-2 diabetes
- Avoid tobacco
- Drink alcohol in moderation
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Early colorectal cancer often has no symptoms, which is why screening is so important. Most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp, a small growth in the wall of the colon. As a polyp grows, it can bleed or obstruct the intestine. See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. While they may not represent serious problems, they could be signs of colon cancer:
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Blood in the stool or in the toilet after having a bowel movement
- Dark- or black-colored stools
- A change in the shape of the stool
- Cramping pain in the lower stomach
- A feeling of discomfort or an urge to have a bowel movement when there is no need to have one
- New onset of constipation or diarrhea that lasts for more than a few days
Unintentional weight loss
Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Patients diagnosed with early to advanced colorectal cancer can rest assured they are receiving the best and most integrated care available through UCLA's Colorectal Cancer Treatment Program and the GI Oncology Program, which simplifies how patients and their specialists communicate with one another.
Make An Appointment
Phone: UCLA Physician Referral Service at 1-800-UCLA-MD1 (800-825-2631)
Phone: Digestive Disease Call Center (310) 825-1597
Or by Email: Appointment Form »