Colon & Rectal Cancer
Ask your doctor about colon and rectal cancer screening if you’re at high risk of colon cancer or rectal cancer It is recommended that you have the first colonoscopy at age 50, or sooner if you are at high risk.
Risk factors:being 50 years of age or older.
Have a family history or personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps.
Have a personal history of colorectal polyps, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.
Have a family history of multiple concurrent solid-tumor cancers.
Colorectal polyps
What is it?
Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy – an exam that allows the doctor to examine the entire length of your colon by inserting a thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera at the tip (colonoscope) into your rectum – or another screening test.
Why?
Colon and rectal cancer screening is used to detect cancer and precancerous growths in the colon and rectum.