FAQ: About Getting TestedIs there really anything I can do to prevent colorectal cancer?Lots of people who get colorectal cancer live healthy lifestyles and could not have done anything to prevent the illness. But, you may have more control than you realize in preventing colorectal cancer.For starters, you can do things like making sure you get enough exercise and eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Since there is a link between heavy drinking and colorectal cancer, you should limit yourself to no more than one alcoholic drink a day. There is also a link between smoking cigarettes and colorectal cancer. If you smoke, you should make every effort to quit. The most important thing you can do to prevent colorectal cancer is to get checked. Remember, these tests can detect polyps at an early stage, when you can have them removed BEFORE they develop into cancer. Currently only about one-third of colorectal cancers are diagnosed at an early stage.
If I feel fine and don't have any symptoms, why do I need to be tested for colorectal cancer?Many people with colorectal cancer have no symptoms until the disease is in its more advanced stages. This is why it is especially important to get checked early.
Since I'm not in a high risk group, why do I need to be tested?Many people think that colorectal cancer is a disease that mainly affects white men. In fact, it is the third leading cause of cancer death in women. About 67,000 women are diagnosed with the disease each year, and more than 40% of them die from it.In addition, colorectal cancer affects people of all races. In fact, African Americans and Hispanics often have poorer outcomes than Caucasian and non-Hispanic Americans. There is no clear evidence to explain this, but it may be because their cancers are often discovered at a later stage. This is why it is so important to be checked on a regular basis. Screening tests can reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer by up to 75%.
Since colorectal cancer is usually fatal, why do I even need to get tested? If I have it, there's nothing I can do about it.If colorectal cancer is discovered early, it is almost always curable. More than 90% of people whose cancer is caught and treated early survive at least 5 years. That's why it is so important to get checked regularly. The earlier the cancer is found, the greater the likelihood of survival.
I've already had a digital rectal exam. Isn't that good enough to check for colorectal cancer?If you have had a digital rectal exam, do not assume that you have been checked for colorectal cancer.A Digital Rectal Exam is done by a doctor who inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities. The test is very simple and is not painful. But fewer than 10% of colorectal cancers can be found using this exam, and therefore it is not an adequate test to check for colorectal cancer. You must have one or more of the following tests:
Is it too late for me to get tested?If you do have colorectal cancer, it is very important that you be treated as soon as possible. Your doctor will determine the stage of the cancer and then help plan the best course of treatment. Remember that the earlier the cancer is discovered, the better the chances of successful treatment.
|
|
Colorectal Web University of Michigan Health System Comprehensive Cancer Center
Please e-mail comments or questions about this site to coloweb@umich.edu |