Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women, with nearly 148,000 Americans diagnosed each year. But it’s also a cancer that’s easily found using screening tests. At Sam Rodgers, we know that taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to take care of your family. That’s why screenings matter: when identified early, screenings can reduce colorectal cancer deaths by at least 60%.

WHAT IS COLORECTAL CANCER?

Colorectal cancer affects the colon (large intestine) or rectum (located at the end of the large intestine). It occurs when abnormal cells form tumors in the large intestine. Symptoms are different for every patient and may include losing weight without trying to, stomach aches or cramps that don’t go away, or blood in or on your stool (bowel movement). However, some patients may have no symptoms at all, making screening even more important.

WHO SHOULD GET SCREENED?

At Sam Rodgers, we focus on healing for every patient who walks through our doors. Patients age 50 and older should be screened for colorectal cancer once a year. Why? Risk increases with age: more than 90% of colorectal cancers occur in people aged 50 and older. And if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, your doctor may recommend screening earlier.

WHAT SCREENINGS ARE AVAILABLE?

There are two types of screenings: a fecal occult blood test and a colonoscopy.

  • If you’re 50 and older, you should complete a fecal occult blood test every year. Your doctor at Sam Rodgers will send you home with this test and instructions for collecting stool samples, and you will return the test after you have collected the samples at home. The fecal occult blood test looks for blood in the stool that usually can’t be seen. If blood is found, it’s important to get follow up care right away.
  • The second type of screening is called a colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, your doctor uses a long, thin, flexible tube that contains a small camera and a light to examine the colon. This tool allows your doctor to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and colon. If a polyp is found during the test, your doctor can remove it and test it for cancer. Patients should have a colonoscopy once every 10 years, or more frequently if colorectal cancer runs in your family.
  • There are reasons you may have blood in your stool other than cancer, and it’s not always cause for alarm. Other reasons for blood in the stool include ulcers and colitis (a condition that causes sores in the colon). Your doctor at Sam Rodgers can help identify the cause.

SCHEDULE YOUR SCREENING

At Sam Rodgers, we work hard to offer quality medical, dental and mental health care to everyone who walks through our doors. And we’re here to help make sure you get the screenings you need. If you’re older than 50, contact us at Sam Rodgers to schedule your colorectal cancer screening. It could save your life.