Approximately 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed this year and 52,000 people will die from the disease according to the American Cancer Society. Colorectal cancer strikes men and women with almost equal frequency often with no symptoms.

When symptoms do occur they may include blood in or on the stool, change in bowel habits, stools that are narrower than usual, general stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness, and/or cramps), vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely, frequent gas pains, weight loss for no apparent reason, rectal bleeding and constant tiredness.

You can reduce your risk by following recommended screening guidelines:

• Annual fecal occult screenings are recommended beginning at age 40.
• A flexible sigmoidoscopy test is recommended every five years.
• A colonoscopy is recommended for those age 50 and older every ten years.

Screening with testing for blood in the stool and with colonoscopy is by far the most effective way of avoiding colon cancer.

Low-Risk Individuals
Everyone should have regular colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 40 with a yearly fecal occult blood test. This test includes a digital rectal exam and collection of a small amount of stool to be checked for signs of blood. Blood in the stool may be due to hemorrhoids or other anal problems, but it is also a sign of a bleeding polyp or colorectal cancer. You should not assume that blood in the stool is due to an anal problem until the possibility of a cancer has been evaluated. Fecal occult blood testing is simple and easy. Unfortunately, only about 50 percent of colorectal cancers are found this way because not all cancers bleed early on.

Starting at age 50, you should have a full evaluation of the colon with either a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy and radiologic test such as barium enema or colonography (virtual colonoscopy). Although the x-ray studies are useful, they are not as accurate as colonoscopy. Also, polyps (precancerous growths) often can be removed during the colonoscopy procedure. Most can be performed on an outpatient basis with little discomfort. This should be repeated every 5 to 10 years and more often if you develop symptoms or have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.

Higher-Risk Individuals
If you have risk factors for colorectal cancer, such as a personal history or family history of colorectal or other cancers or inflammatory bowel disease, you should talk to your doctor about earlier and/or more frequent screening.

Eat a Healthy Diet – Eating between 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day is a good way to keep your digestive system healthy. Dietary fiber comes from eating fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, nuts and beans. Low-fat foods and those rich with folate, such as leafy green vegetables are especially important. Maintaining a healthy weight is important too. Carrying extra pounds around the midsection can put you at a higher risk.

Get Plenty of Exercise – Exercising for at least 20 minutes three to four days each week or moderate exercise such as walking, gardening or climbing steps may help reduce your risk.

Reduce Alcohol and Eliminate Tobacco Use – If you use alcohol, do so only in moderation. Although a glass of red wine several times a week probably is healthy, much more is not. Smoking probably is the highest risk activity anyone can do. It puts you at high risk for lung problems including emphysema and asthmas, for vascular and heart problems and for many types of cancer including lung and colorectal. The best preventative approach is to stop smoking and get recommended screening.

A colonoscopy is a comprehensive test allowing a physician to view the entire colon. This is performed as an outpatient procedure and involves inserting a flexible scope into the rectum to detect polyps or abnormalities while the patient is under gentle sedation. Those with personal or family histories of colorectal cancer should talk to their doctors about more frequent evaluations.

For Seniors
Medicare Part B covers colorectal cancer screenings for men and women over age 50. Medicare covers a sigmoidoscopy once every 48 months. If you are ‘at risk' for colon cancer Medicare covers a colonoscopy once every 24 months with a prescription from your doctor.

If you have a managed care plan (HMO) check as to whether or not it covers colorectal screenings.