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Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is easily treated and often curable when detected early. Pre-cancerous polyps can be detected and removed before they become cancerous. Make these screening tests a part of your healthy life. Talk to your doctor using this list as a guide.

Beginning at age 50:

• Have a yearly fecal occult blood test.
• Have a colonoscopy, or double contrast barium enema every 5 to 10 years. Have all non-cancerous polyps removed.
• Have a digital rectal exam every 5 to 10 years at the time of each screening colonoscopy, or barium enema.
• If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, benign colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, breast, uterine, or endometrial cancer, talk to your doctor about early screening. More frequent testing may be appropriate.

Talking with your Healthcare Provider about Colorectal Cancer
Screening tests for colorectal cancer can save 30,000 lives each year. These tests not only detect colorectal cancer early, but can prevent colorectal cancer by the removal of non-cancerous polyps before they become cancer. When you turn 50 years old, or if you are younger and have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or ovarian, endometrial, or breast cancer, you need to talk to your healthcare provider about colorectal cancer screening tests.

Here are some questions to help you begin this important conversation:

1. I just turned 50 years old. Should I be tested for colorectal cancer?
2. I don't have any family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps. Should I still be screened?
3. My medical history and/or my family medical history puts me at an increased risk for colorectal cancer. Should I be screened at a younger age? And more often?
4. I understand that there are a number of screening tests available. Would you tell me about each of these tests, and their pros and cons?
5. I don't know which screening test is appropriate for me now. Which test do you recommend and why?
6. Will you perform the test? If not, who will?
7. Will I be awake or asleep during the test?
8. Will the test hurt?
9. How will I learn the results of the test?
10. What kind of follow-up care will I need if the test shows a problem?
11. If the tests show nothing's wrong, when should I be tested again?
12. What is the cost of these tests? Will my insurance cover the cost?

Colorectal cancer is preventable and easy to treat when detected early. Talk with your healthcare provider about what kind of screening test is right for you.

Information on colorectal cancer provided by the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation with the goal of generating widespread awareness about colorectal cancer, and encouraging people to learn more about how to reduce their risk for the disease through a healthy lifestyle and regular screening.