What to Ask Your Doctor about Colorectal Cancer Exams
With National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month here again, it’s a good time to include colon and rectal (colorectal) cancer screenings to health check up regimens starting at age 50. To ensure the best screenings, the physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada recommend that the following questions be used as guidelines when meeting with physicians for these exams:
When Should I Start to Get Tested for Colon Cancer?
Beginning at age 50, both men and women should ask their doctor to start testing for polyps and colon or rectal cancers. Screening may need to be integrated into your testing protocols at an earlier age, based on your personal health as well as your family history. Learn more about colon and rectal (colorectal) cancer symptoms here.
What Kind of Test Do I Need?
Colorectal cancer screenings are done to discover polyps and/or cancer. There are also tests focused entirely on finding cancer specifically. It’s critical that doctors know everything including any past health issues, and family history, so they have a complete picture to schedule the screening that is right for you.
What Happens During Colon Cancer Testing and When Does it Happen?
Tests for polyps and cancer include a colonoscopy, which is recommended every ten years. Every five years, patients should get a CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy), and flexible sigmoidoscopy and double-contrast barium enemas. If you have a history of cancer, or family history or cancer, doctors may recommend shorter periods between these screenings.
Tests to screen for colorectal cancer specifically include fecal immunochemical test (FIT), guaiac-based fecal occult blood test, (gFOBT) which can be given every year, and a stool DNA test, which is recommended every three years. Again, timeframes may vary depending on colorectal risk factors including personal and family health histories.
As a Woman, Do I Need Testing, Too?
Yes. Many women believe the colon cancer is a man’s health issue, and one they don’t need to be concerned about. The numbers tell another story. The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 22 for men and 1 in 24 for women. Learn more about colon cancer risks and warning signs here.
How Do I Know if a Health Problem is Worth Reporting?
Many patients ignore potential problems after seeing symptoms such as blood in their stools. DO NOT DO THIS. We urge you to take everything with your health very seriously. Successful treatment outcomes are more likely when issues are detected early.
How Can I Properly Prepare for Colorectal Cancer Screenings?
If you may have a screening procedure scheduled, your physician will help you with the necessary steps to be prepared. This may include adjustments to diet and medications. Make sure you get all of those details accounted for (make a list and check it twice) to help your doctor achieve the best results possible for your screening.
How Can I Reduce Risks for Colorectal Cancer?
Perhaps the most important question you can ask your doctor is how best to reduce risks for cancer. Recommendations may include getting more exercise; watching your weight, reducing your consumption of alcohol and processed foods, as well as to stop smoking.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada Can Help
Should your physician refer you for more tests, or treatment for colon cancer, Comprehensive can help. Treatment options are different for each person, but some may require surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Our team of physicians and nursing staff provide state-of-the-art treatment and technologies for patients with colon cancer in Nevada, including CyberKnife and Clinical Research. To schedule an appointment, call 702-952-3350.
