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Colorectal cancer (colon cancer) develops in the large intestine. It develops from tiny growths inside the colon or rectum called polyps. There are no early warning symptoms.
Colorectal cancer is a slow growing cancer and can take up to 10 years or more to develop to an advanced stage. That's why it's key to make regular screening for colorectal cancer a part of your routine health checks.
Individuals over 50 years old are encouraged to begin screening for colorectal cancer every two years.
- Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
During the early stages of the disease there are no symptoms.
As colorectal cancer progresses the following symptoms may occur:
If you have any of these symptoms talk to your health care provider during your next visit.
Statistics from Cancer Care Ontario and Canadian Cancer Society-2007
While there are no guarantees that you will not get colorectal cancer, you can lower your risk of getting the disease by:
There are various methods of screening for colorectal cancer. If you are over age 50 or have a close relative with colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about screening. It could save your life.
The most common screening methods that are:
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
This test can detect the blood in your stool that may not be visible to the naked eye. A positive test requires a follow up to find out if you have colorectal cancer. It is recommended that everyone 50 years and older have this test every two years.
This test is a simple, self-administered test that can be done in the privacy of your own home. It involves you collecting a small sample of your stool on three different days. The kit includes a detailed instruction sheet to help you through it.
Colonoscopy
This test is an examination of the lining of your rectum and colon using a long flexible tube with a camera on the end. This test is recommended for individuals at increased risk, such as having one or more close relatives (parent, sibling or child) who have the disease. You may be asked to have this test if you've had a positive Fecal Occult Blood Test.
Men and women 50 years of age or older, who do not have a family history of colorectal cancer, should be screened every two years using a Fecal Occult Blood Test.
Individuals at higher risk may need to have a colonoscopy before age 50.
Talk to your health care provider about your family history and the screening method that is best for you.