In addition, studies have
shown that patients treated by
colorectal surgeons – experts
in the surgical and nonsurgical
treatment of colon and
rectal problems – are more
likely to survive colorectal
cancer and experience
fewer complications. This
is attributed to colorectal
surgeons’ advanced training
and the high volume of colon
and rectal disease surgeries
they perform.
Who is at risk for
colorectal cancer?
The risk of developing
colorectal cancer increases
with age. All men and women
aged 50 and older are at risk for
developing colorectal cancer,
and should be screened. Some
people are at a higher risk and
should be screened at an age
younger than 50, including
those with a personal or family
history of inflammatory bowel
disease; colorectal cancer or
polyps; or ovarian, endometrial
or breast cancer.
Current screening methods
include fecal occult blood
testing (a simple chemical
test that can detect hidden
blood in the stool), flexible
sigmoidoscopy (a visual
examination of the rectum and
lower portion of the colon,
performed in a doctor’s office),
double contrast barium enema
(barium x-ray), colonoscopy (a
visual examination of the entire
colon) and digital rectal exam.
Colorectal cancer screening
costs are covered by Medicare
and many commercial health
plans. You should find out
from your colorectal surgeon
or other healthcare provider
which screening procedure is
right for you and how often you
should be screened.