Guidelines for Early Detection

The National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer II suggests that a high percentage of early colorectal cancers can be detected by an annual screening of asymptomatic(without symptoms) individuals age 50 and over with the following guidelines:

Digital Rectal Examination - During regular check-ups, have a digital rectal exam. The doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels for abnormal areas.

Fecal Occult - Beginning at age 50, have a fecal occult blood test every year. This test checks for hidden blood in the stool. It is done because colorectal cancer may cause bleeding that cannot be seen.

Sigmoidoscopy - Beginning at age 50, have this exam every three to five years. The doctor looks through a thin-lighted tube, to check for polyps, tumors or other abnormalities.

The Colon and the Rectum

The colon and the rectum are parts of the digestive system. Together, they form a long muscular tube called the large intestine (also called the large bowel). The colon is the upper five to six feet of the large intestines and the rectum is the last six to eight inches.

What Everyone Should Know about Colorectal Cancer:
• Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.

• The incidence is higher in men than in women. … Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among black American men and women (lung Cancer is #1).

• Almost seven percent of Americans are expected to develop colorectal cancer within their lifetime.

Risk Factors

Polyps - The vast majority of colorectal cancers develop in polyps. They are benign but they may become cancerous over time. Removing polyps is an important way to prevent colorectal cancer.

Age - Colorectal cancers most often occur in people over the age of 50, and the risk of developing the disease increases with age.

Family History - Close relatives of a person who has had colorectal cancer have a higher than average risk of developing the disease.

Familial Polyposis - This is an inherited condition in which hundreds of polyps develop in the colon and rectum. Over time these polyps can become cancerous. Unless the condition is treated, a person who has this condition is almost sure to develop colorectal cancer.

Diet - The risk of developing colon cancer seems to be higher in people whose diet is high in total fat, protein, calories and alcohol; and low in calcium, dietary fiber and vegetable intake.

Ulcerative Colitis - This disease causes inflammation of the lining of the colon. The risk of colon cancer is much greater than average for people who have this disease and it increases with the length of time they have had it.

Physical Activity - A sedentary lifestyle (accustomed to sitting or taking little exercise) has been associated in some studies with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

There may be no symptoms with colorectal cancer. Warning signs to watch for may include:

• A change in bowel habits.
• Blood in or on the stool (either bright red or very dark in color).
  
• Stools that are narrower than usual.
  
• Rectal bleeding.
  
• Feeling that bowel does not empty completely.
  
• Weight loss with no known reason.

Recommended Colorectal Screenings

For more information about colorectal cancer, how to find it early, what questions to ask your doctor, call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER or your local health department. For more information about the National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer II, call 1-800-724-1185.