(Colorectal Cancer – What You Need to Know first appeared in the Public Opinion Newspaper.) Dr. Kerry Whitelock, board-certified internal medicine physician at Keystone Internal Medicine, shares facts about colorectal cancer and the easy cancer screening that can be done in the privacy of your own home.
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death of men and women in the United States, affecting more than 132,700 adults who are diagnosed each year. Early colorectal cancer usually has no symptoms. Warning signs usually occur with more advanced disease and may include rectal bleeding, blood in stool, change in bowel habits, or cramping pain in the lower belly.
Screening saves lives
Unfortunately, only about 1 in 3 adults between the ages of 50 and 75, roughly 23 million people, are getting tested as recommended. Colorectal cancer screening can save lives, but only if people have the tests done. Such tests could include stool testing and colonoscopy. Screening is important because it can prevent colorectal cancer through detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
Fears
There are several reasons why people do not do colorectal screening. They think that they are already taking care of their health or fear the unknown. Some people are fearful of the preparation and procedure or simply procrastinate. Others rationalize reasons for not being screened or do not have any urgency about colorectal screening. It’s important to talk to your health care provider if you have these concerns.
At home testing
When people are screened, colorectal cancer can be detected earlier when treatment can be more successful. Because of screening, colorectal cancer incidence rates have dropped 30% in the United Stated in the last 10 years in adults older than 50. With the convenience of at home stool testing for colorectal cancer, called the FIT test, there’s no reason to delay.
Next steps
Stool testing, or FIT testing, is simple, affordable, and can be done in the privacy of your home. This test is not painful, and the results come back in a couple of days. If this test comes back positive, then a patient should have a colonoscopy for further evaluation of the colon. If you are between ages of 50 and 75, talk to your health care provider now about getting screened for colorectal cancer.
For more information about Keystone Internal Medicine or to make an appointment, call (717) 709-7970.
For more information about Keystone Family Medicine or to make an appointment, call (717) 709-7999.
This article contains general information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment or care by a qualified health care provider.