Colorectal cancer almost always begins from abnormal growths or polyps in the colon or rectum. Colonoscopy screening saves lives by finding and removing these precancerous polyps before they turn cancerous. Colorectal cancer (third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women) is preventable and treatable if caught early. If left untreated, it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US, killing almost 56,000 people each year. Early detection is the key to survival. The five-year relative survival rate for patients who have colorectal cancer treated is more than 90 percent. What isn't good is that only 39 percent of those believed afflicted with colorectal cancer get screened for early detection; the cancer, when found, has spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes. In these cases, the five-year survival rate decreases substantially.

By age 50, The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) screening guidelines recommend that men and women at average risk should begin colorectal cancer screen. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer should begin sooner. Risk factors should be discussed with a physician to determine when screening should begin and how often. A colonoscopy views the colon and removes polyps before they turn cancerous.

People can have colorectal cancer without any symptoms, a known family history or predisposing conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms may include unexplained change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, blood in stool and anemia. If any of these symptoms are present, a physician should be consulted. More information can be found at ASGE's colorectal cancer awareness web site at www.screen4coloncancer.org

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