Presbyterian | Your Story | Centennial Care | Winter 2020

10 Colorectal cancer: Your questions answered Not counting skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. for both men and women. But as common as it is, how much do you know about it? Here are answers to four frequent questions about colorectal cancer. What you learn might save your life: Q: How does colorectal cancer develop? A: Colorectal cancers often start as noncancerous growths called polyps. It can take years before polyps turn into cancer. Q: Who’s most at risk? A: About 90 percent of all cases of the disease occur in people 50 and older. Risk rises with age. Your chance of developing colorectal cancer also increases if you have: ● An inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis ● A personal or family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer ● A rare inherited (passed down) health issue, such as Lynch syndrome Being overweight, not getting enough exercise, and eating a diet that’s high in red meat may also raise your risk. Q: What symptoms should I look for? A: Warning signs of colorectal cancer include: ● A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation ● Bright red or very dark blood in your stool ● Stools that look narrower or thinner than normal ● Stomach discomfort, such as frequent gas pain, bloating, and cramps ● Unexplained weight loss Symptoms often appear only after colorectal cancer has spread and is more difficult to treat. That’s why getting screened for the disease is so important. Age Tests for WOMEN CHLAMYDIA AND GONORRHEA. Be screened yearly through age 24 if sexually active. 18 BLOOD PRESSURE. Be screened every three to five years. Those at increased risk for high blood pressure should be screened yearly. 21 CERVICAL CANCER. Have a Pap test every three years. 25 CHLAMYDIA AND GONORRHEA. Continue screening if at increased risk for infection. 30 CERVICAL CANCER. Have a Pap test every three years, a high-risk HPV test every five years, or a Pap test plus a high-risk HPV test every five years. 40 BLOOD PRESSURE. Be screened yearly. CHOLESTEROL. Start screening based on risk factors. DIABETES. Start screening based on risk factors. 50 BREAST CANCER. Be screened every two years (or start earlier based on risk factors). COLORECTAL CANCER. Talk with your doctor about screening options. 55 LUNG CANCER. Be screened yearly based on your history of smoking. 65 OSTEOPOROSIS. Start screening (or start earlier based on risk factors). Age Tests for MEN 18 BLOOD PRESSURE. Be screened every three to five years. Those at increased risk for high blood pressure should be screened yearly. 40 BLOOD PRESSURE. Be screened yearly. CHOLESTEROL. Start screening based on risk factors. DIABETES. Start screening based on risk factors. 50 COLORECTAL CANCER. Talk with your doctor about screening options. 55 PROSTATE CANCER. Ask your doctor about screening. LUNG CANCER. Be screened yearly based on your history of smoking. 65 ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM. Be screened once between ages 65 and 75 if you’ve ever smoked. When to start key screenings The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends the following guidelines for most women and men. Talk with your doctor about what’s right for you. Need a network doctor? Search for a provider online at www.phs.org/ directory or call (505) 923-5200 .