Colorectal Cancer Screenings Offered:
COLORECTAL SCREENING/FOBT KITS
- Men and women age 50 and older
- Men and women younger than 50 who have an immediate family member with a history of polyps or colorectal cancer
- Uninsured or under insured
Colorectal Cancer Facts:
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. There are approximately 150,000 new cases and 60,000 deaths in the US each year. The disease affects males and females equally. Colorectal cancer is exceeded only by lung and breast cancer in women and lung and prostate cancer in men. With early detection and treatment while in the localized stage, the five-year survival rate for colon cancer is 90% and approximately 80% for rectal cancer.
Factors linked to Increased Risk for Colorectal Cancer
- 93% of colorectal cancers develop from adenomatous polyps
- 94% of colorectal cancers are diagnosed in people over age 50
- A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps and inflammatory bowel disease have been associated with increased risk
- Physical inactivity
- High fat and/or low fiber diet
- Inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables
American Cancer Society Early Detection Recommendations
- Annual digital rectal examination for men and women age 40 and over
- Annual Fecal Occult Blood Test for men and women age 40 and over
- Sigmoidoscopy (preferably flexible for men and women age 50 and over) every three to five years