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Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S., with more than 150,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
The good news is that it’s also a highly preventable disease — and it has a very good prognosis when it’s caught early.
“Colorectal cancer” is a broad term that includes cancers of the colon and of the rectum. Regular screening and knowledge of the risk factors and symptoms can help you catch this type of cancer early, when it’s most easily treated.
Take our quiz to see how much you know about colon cancer and learn important information about screening and prevention.
1. Everyone over the age of 45 should be screened for colon cancer.
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true. Many people " think of colon cancer as a disease that only affects older people. But that\u2019s just not true. In fact, colon cancer rates are rising in younger people. That\u2019s why the latest recommendations call for everyone of average risk to get a colonoscopy when they turn 45. You may need one sooner if you have certain risk factors, like a close relative who has or had the disease.
2. A colonoscopy is painful.
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false. Colonoscopies are performed under general anesthesia, and you won’t feel a thing. In fact, when you wake up, you may find it hard to believe it’s already over. The colonoscopy prep, on the other hand, doesn’t hurt per se, but it is an inconvenience. However, many people report that worrying about the colonoscopy and the prep is actually worse than the actual prep and procedure.
3. Colon cancer screening may be able to stop cancer before it starts.
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true. Benign polyps that could later turn into cancer can sometimes be removed during your colonoscopy. And even some early-stage cancerous polyps can be removed from the colon during the colonoscopy. This is why routine screening is so important.
4. Diarrhea, constipation and bloating are symptoms of colon cancer.
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true. Colon cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages, but it can also cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, constipation and bloating as well as blood in the stool; a feeling that you haven’t fully emptied your bowels after pooping; abdominal pain, like gas or cramps; fatigue; and unexplained weight loss.
5. Colon cancer always has poor outcomes.
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false. Colon cancer is highly preventable and it’s highly treatable when it’s caught early. More and more younger people have been diagnosed with colon cancer recently, so it’s very important to have routine screening if you’re 45 years old or older, or if you have other risk factors, like a family history. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider when you should get screened.
This educational resource was created with support from Daiichi Sankyo.