Colon Cancer - Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer

Take control and get
screened for colon cancer now

Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon or rectum. It doesn’t always cause symptoms, especially in early stages.

Polyps are small growths on the wall of the colon or rectum that are usually not harmful, but sometimes can be cancerous. Often people with polyps have no symptoms. Sometimes cancer can be prevented by finding and removing polyps, so it’s important to get checked by a medical provider.

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Stand Up To Cancer
Correct Wrong
TRUE FALSE
You should still get screened even if you don’t have symptoms.
TRUE. Colorectal cancer may not cause any symptoms in the early stages. If colorectal cancer is caught at an early stage, it is often easier to treat.
Colon Cancer Why Section

A simple screening test might save your life. When cancer is found in its early stages, it’s often more treatable. With routine screening, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. In fact, it’s beatable in 90% of cases when detected early, giving you the opportunity to enjoy life and spend time with those you love.

Take control of your own health: choose a test and get screened for colorectal cancer.

Get screened for colon cancer nowGet screened for colon cancer now

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Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer
Correct Wrong
TRUE FALSE
Getting screened can help to prevent colorectal cancer.
TRUE. Screening tests helps find non-cancerous growths, called polyps, which can be removed to prevent colorectal cancer. And if it’s caught at an early stage, colorectal cancer is often easier to treat and is beatable in 90% of cases.
Colon Cancer Who Section

Colorectal cancer is a common cancer in both men and women.

Black and Hispanic Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer at later stages due in part to differences in access to screening and health care.

Millions of people in the US are not getting screened as recommended. But with regular screening, the progression of colorectal cancer can be prevented, or found early when treatment is most effective.

Get screened for colon cancer nowGet screened for colon cancer now

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Stand Up To Cancer
Correct Wrong
TRUE FALSE
There are colorectal cancer screening tests that can be done at home.
TRUE. Several screening tests can be used in the safety and comfort of your home.
Colon Cancer When Section

According to the American Cancer Society, men and women at average risk should start getting screened for colorectal cancer at age 45. The number of cases of colorectal cancer in people under 50 is expected to almost double by 2030.

Most people with colorectal cancer have no family history of the disease.

If someone in your family had the disease talk to your medical provider about beginning screening at an earlier age.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Signs of colon cancer can sometimes be similar to other digestive tract problems, with symptoms including:

  • Change in bowel habits that lasts for more than a few days, such as diarrhea or constipation
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Dark stools, or blood in the stool
  • Cramping or abdominal pain
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Unintended weight loss

If you are experiencing these symptoms, no matter what your age, speak with your health care provider.

Colorectal cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms, especially in the early stages, which is why it’s important to get screened starting at age 45 even if you don’t have symptoms.

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Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer
Correct Wrong
TRUE FALSE
You are not likely to get colorectal cancer if there is no history of the disease in your family.
FALSE. 70% of people diagnosed have had no family history of colorectal cancer.
Colon Cancer How Section

There are several effective screening tests for colorectal cancer. Some tests are conducted at a health care facility. Other screening tests can be done from the comfort of your own home. Talk with your medical provider about which screening options might be right for you.

Correct Wrong
TRUE FALSE
Black and Hispanic Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a later stage.
TRUE. Black and Hispanic Americans are more likely to have colorectal cancer diagnosed at later stages due in part to differences in access to screening and health care.

GET SCREENED FOR COLON CANCER NOW

You have screening options. There are several doctor-recommended colorectal cancer screening tests to choose from:

FIT Test (Fecal Immuno-chemical Test) Multi-target Stool DNA Test Colonoscopy
WHERE DO I TAKE THIS TEST? At home At home At a medical facility
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO GET A SCREENING? Every Year* Every 3 Years* Every 10 Years*
How does this test work? Tests a small sample of your stool Tests a small sample of your stool Inserts a scope into your rectum and colon
WHAT DOES THE TEST DO? Checks stool for blood that might occur with polyps or cancer Checks stool for blood and DNA that might occur with polyps or cancer Check for abnormal growths (polyps or cancer)
What do I need to do before the test? No special diet or bowel prep needed No special diet or bowel prep needed 1-2 days of preparation including fasting and bowel cleansing
Do I need to take time off? No time off work No time off work 1-2 days off work
What will this cost? Covered by insurance in most cases Covered by insurance in most cases Covered by insurance in most cases
What happens if my test is positive? You will need to have a colonoscopy You will need to have a colonoscopy Many growths found during a colonoscopy can be removed at the time of the procedure

*Adhering to the recommended frequency is a crucial step.

Learn more about additional types of tests.

Take control and get screened now. Talk to your medical provider about which test is right for you. Or click here for a community health center that provides colorectal cancer screening, regardless of insurance coverage.

General Health Guidance

There are steps you can take to reduce your risk for colorectal cancer.

It’s important to maintain a healthy diet. A balance between a healthy diet and lifestyle includes:

  • A diet low in red and processed meats and high in fruits, vegetables and whole-grain fiber.
  • Physical activity can help to maintain a healthy body weight and lower risk for colorectal cancer.
  • Limiting alcohol and tobacco use. If you smoke, quitting should be a top priority, and if you consume alcohol, do so in moderation (one drink a day for women, and no more than two drinks a day for men).

Even if you take all of these steps to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, you cannot eliminate the risk entirely.  That’s why everyone 45 and older should talk to their medical provider, choose a screening test, and get screened routinely.

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