Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States among both men and women.  About 150,000 patients are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, and more than 40% of these will die of the disease.

Due to the high mortality associated with colon cancer and the effectiveness of colonoscopy in detecting early lesions, it has become routine to screen adults if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Are 50 years of age or older
• Have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease
• Have any gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, or rectal bleeding, regardless of age

Symptoms include:

• Changes in bowel habits
• Blood in the stool
• Narrowing of the stool
• General abdominal discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic fatigue

If your diet is high in fat or low in fiber, if you smoke or drink excessive alcohol, if you do not exercise, or if you are obese, you are also at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Testing for colorectal cancer should be part of your comprehensive medical care.

Your first step in preventing this serious disease is a medical consultation with Dr. Treyzon to evaluate your circumstances carefully to fully assess your individual risk for colorectal cancer.

Author Natalie Bransky Assistant to Dr. Treyzon