mybonsecours
frequently asked questions
what is colorectal cancer?
how does colorectal cancer affect the u.s. population?
what causes colorectal cancer, and who is at risk of developing it?
what are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
is there anything I can do to reduce my risk for colorectal cancer?
what is cancer screening?
why should I get screened for colorectal cancer?
is colorectal cancer screening covered by insurance?
what are the Medicare Preventive Service benefits for colorectal cancer screening?
what is colorectal cancer?
Cancer is a group of diseases in which there is abnormal and
uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. If left untreated, malignant
(or cancerous) cells can spread to other parts of the body.
"Colorectal" refers to the colon and rectum, which together make up the large intestine. Colorectal cancer can begin anywhere in the large intestine. The majority of colorectal cancers begin as polyps—abnormal growths—inside the colon or rectum that may become cancers over a long period of time.
how does colorectal cancer affect the U.S.
population?
Colorectal cancer is equally common
in men and women. In the US, an estimated 142,570 people will be
diagnosed in 2010, and an estimated 51,370 people will die from the
disease. In Virginia, an estimated 3,370 people will be diagnosed and
1,300 people will die from the disease. Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the
second leading cancer killer in the U.S.
what causes colorectal cancer, and who is at risk of
developing it?
The exact cause of most colorectal cancers is not yet known. About
75% of colorectal cancers occur in people with no known risk factors.
Some conditions that may increase a person's risk of developing
colorectal cancer include having—
- A personal or family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease).
- A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome). (Just 5% of colorectal cancers are linked to these genetic syndromes.)
While everyone should pay attention to their body, their family history and any external signs that may indicate a need to call your doctor, there are some groups that are at higher risk.
- Men and women age 50 and older
- People who use tobacco, are obese, or are sedentary
- People with a personal family history of colorectal cancer or benign (not cancerous) colorectal polyps
- People with a personal family history of inflammatory bowel disease such as long-standing ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease
- People with a family history of inherited colorectal cancer
what are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
People who have polyps or colorectal cancer don't always have
symptoms, especially at first. Someone could have polyps or colorectal
cancer and not know it. If there are symptoms, they may include—
- Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).
- Pains, aches, or cramps in your stomach that don't go away.
- Losing weight and you don't know why.
- Change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea).
If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. These symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer. However, the only way to know what is causing them is to see your doctor.
is there anything I can do to reduce my risk for
colorectal cancer?
Although it is the second most common type of cancer, colon cancer is
highly preventable if caught early. Be good to yourself. Prevention is
as easy as making small adjustments in your daily life: cut back on red meat, quit smoking, and add fiber to your diet
It’s important to communicate with your physician any changes you may have experienced or any family history that would necessitate a change in your current course of treatment. It’s also important to keep on track with scheduled screenings and appointments. In addition to the care you receive from your physician, you can take steps to reduce your risk factors.
- Be physically active and exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and whole grains
- Consume calcium-rich foods like low-fat or skim milk
- Limit red meat consumption and avoid processed meats
- Don’t smoke
- Don’t drink alcohol excessively
There is strong scientific evidence that having regular screening tests for colorectal cancer beginning at age 50 reduces deaths from colorectal cancer. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon and rectum, and polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer.
Studies have also shown that increased physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the risk for colorectal cancer. Evidence is less clear about other ways to prevent colorectal cancer.
Research is underway to determine whether dietary changes may decrease the risk for colorectal cancer. Currently, there is no consensus on the role of diet in preventing colorectal cancer, but medical experts recommend a diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products to reduce the risk of other chronic diseases, such as coronary artery disease and diabetes. This diet also may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. In addition, researchers are examining the role of certain medications and supplements, including aspirin, calcium, vitamin D, and selenium in preventing colorectal cancer.
Overall, the most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is by having regular colorectal cancer screening tests beginning at age 50. If you are at greater risk, you may need to begin screening at an earlier age. The best time to get screened is before any symptoms appear.
what is cancer screening?
Screening is when a test is used to look for a disease before there
are any symptoms. Cancer screening tests, including those for colorectal
cancer, are effective when they can detect disease early. Detecting
disease early can lead to more effective treatment. Diagnostic tests
are used when a person has symptoms and are intended to find out what is
causing the symptoms.
Use this guide to help you discuss screening options with your health care professional. Consider one of the following tests:
for identifying pre-cancer and cancer:
- Colonoscopy – every 10 years
- Sigmoidoscopy – every five years
tests that mainly find cancer:
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)- every year
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) – every year
Talk to your Bon Secours family medicine provider about your personal risk for cancer of the colon or rectum. Take advantage of prevention, diagnostic and treatment options available from Bon Secours in Hampton Roads.
why should I get screened for colorectal cancer?
Screening for colorectal cancer saves lives. Colorectal cancers
almost always develop from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the
colon or rectum. Screening tests can find polyps, so they can be
removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests also can find
colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best and the chance for a
full recovery is very high. Having regular screening tests beginning at
age 50 could save your life.
is colorectal cancer screening covered by
insurance?
Most insurance
plans help pay for colorectal cancer screening tests for people
aged 50 or older. Many plans also help pay for screening tests for
people younger than 50 who are at increased risk for colorectal cancer.
Check with your health insurance provider to determine your colorectal
cancer screening benefits.
what are the Medicare Preventive Service benefits
for colorectal cancer screening?
People with Medicare who are aged 50 or older are eligible for
colorectal cancer screening. There is no minimum age for colonoscopy.
For more information about Medicare's coverage related to colorectal
cancer screening, call the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048)
or visit the Medicare Web site.
