Colorectal Cancer

Colon PolypsColorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. It almost always develops from precancerous polyps, which are abnormal growths in the colon or rectum. About 1 in 15 people will develop colorectal cancer sometime in their life. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. In Idaho alone, there are approximately 600 cases of colorectal cancer each year. Nearly 200 Idahoans die each year due to colorectal cancer.

The good news is that colorectal cancer can be prevented if polyps are found and removed before they become cancerous. The only way to do this is through regular screening.

Screening Guidelines

It is recommended that beginning at age 50 (earlier if you have a family history), both men and women should use one of the screening tests below.

Tests that find polyps and cancer

  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
  • Colonoscopy every 10 years
  • Double contrast barium enema every 5 years
  • CT colonography (virtual coloscopy) every 5 years

Tests that mainly find cancer

  • Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year
  • Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year
  • Stool DNA test (sDNA), interval uncertain

Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you.

Colorectal Testing Information

Screening is the best way to prevent colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, too few people are being screened. Idaho currently ranks 5th worse in the nation for screening rates (view a map with national colorectal screening rates). If you have a friend or family member who needs to be screened, encourage them to take that step. The American Cancer Society has e-cards to remind a friend over 50 to get screened. View and send a screening reminder e-card.

For more detailed information about colorectal cancer, check out the interactive online tutorial from the National Library of Medicine. It explains the anatomy, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for colorectal cancer.

Online Colorectal Cancer Resources