Health Quiz — Colorectal Screening

Health screenings are the key to early detection and prevention of diseases such as colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Routine screenings can detect polyps — growths that doctors can remove before they turn into cancer.

Myth or Fact?

1. Only people with a family history of colorectal cancer, people who are overweight and smokers need to be screened. Myth or fact?

Myth. All men and women should start colorectal screening by age 50.

2. There is no single “right” way to be screened for colorectal cancer. Myth or fact?

Fact. There are choices for your colorectal cancer screening, so talk with your primary care physician about which is right for you. One option is an annual test to check for blood in stool.

Others include:

  • Every five years: a flexible sigmoidoscopy, in which the doctor places a lighted tube into the rectum to check the lower part of the colon. Those who have a flexible sigmoidoscopy, should get an annual stool test that can be taken at-home
  • Every 10 years: a colonoscopy, in which a doctor inserts a tube into the rectum to view the entire colon

3. You may need to start testing before age 50. Myth or fact?

Fact. While most people should begin screening at age 50, earlier screening may be necessary if a close family member has had colon cancer at an early age.

4. Colorectal cancer has noticeable symptoms. Myth or fact?

Myth. Colorectal cancer can have noticeable symptoms, but typically there are no symptoms at all. That’s why regular screenings are recommended.

For More Information
If you are a Sharp Rees-Stealy patient between the ages of 50 and 75 and have never been screened for colon cancer, we recommend that you take a fecal occult test. The test is easy to do in your home.  To make an appointment to pick up your free kit at any of our laboratory locations, you can call 619-446-1543, or visit mySharp. We care about you and encourage you to take a few moments to complete this important test.