Helen F. Graham Cancer Center

anatomical illustration of a human colon

Colorectal Cancer

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Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer, or colon cancer, is curable 90 percent of the time when detected and treated early. Beginning at age 50, men and women should have a colorectal cancer screening. If you have other risk factors such as family history of the disease, talk to your doctor or health care provider about more frequent or earlier screening.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer includes cancers of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of the digestive system and the rectum. The cancer begins as small noncancerous (benign) clusters of cells called polyps. Over a period of time, some ployps may become cancerous.

Are you at risk?

You have an increased risk of colorectal cancer if you:

Are age 50 or older.
Have a family or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
Have a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease.
Are a smoker.
Are obese or physically inactive.
Eat a diet high in saturated fat or red meat.

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer can strike men and women, young and old. If you are at high risk, don't wait until symptoms appear. Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages, so it is best to have regular screenings for detection.

Symptoms to watch for include:

Unexplained change in bowel habits.
Chronic diarrhea or constipation.
Blood in the stool.
Narrow, pencil-thin stools.
A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely.
Persistent abdominal pain.
Unexpected or sudden weight loss.
Chronic tiredness or unexplained fatigue.

Save your life: Get screened

You have the power to stop colon cancer before it starts. The American Cancer Society recommends adults 50 and older get screened. Prevention is the key, so call today to schedule a screening. Don't let fear or embarrassment stop you.

Make an appointment with your primary-care doctor and ask about scheduling for colorectal screening. If you don’t have a doctor, call our screening nurse navigator today at 302-623-4661. She can help set up an appointment and see if you qualify for a free screening.

The Helen F. Graham Cancer Center recommends that men and women, beginning at age 50, be screened with one of the following:

A fecul occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year.
A flexible sigmoidoscopy (FSIG) every five years.
Annual FOBT or FIT every five years. (Combined testing is preferred over either annual FOBT or FIT, or FSIG every five years alone.)
A double-contrast barium enema every five years.
Colonoscopy every 10 years.
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every five years.

People who are at moderate or high risk for colorectal cancer should talk with a doctor about a different testing schedule.

Be proactive and reduce your colorectal cancer risk

You may reduce the risk of getting colorectal cancer by making these lifestyle changes:

Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes three times per week.
Maintain a healthy body weight.
Maintain a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Limit high-fat foods, especially saturated fat.
Avoid smoking.
Limit alcohol consumption.

Community Health Outreach and Education Program
Helen F. Graham Cancer Center
4701 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19713 directions
302-623-4661