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Colorectal Cancer

 

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable. The key is regular screenings — starting earlier than you might think.

Start screening at age 45 if you are at average risk. If you are at increased risk, you may need to be screened earlier or more often – talk with your doctor right away. Early detection of colorectal cancer can mean better outcomes, less extensive treatment, more treatment options, and better chances of survival. 

 

Get a screening test kit at LBPHD! 

(Find below)

KNOW YOUR RISK

While your risk of getting colorectal cancer does increase as you get older, it’s important to learn about other risk factors when you’re young, including:

Your health history can also increase your risk, including having personal or family history of:

Or a personal history of:

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Not getting enough physical activity
  • Eating a diet high in red or processed meats
  • Smoking
  • Engaging in heavy alcohol use
  • Colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps (growths)
  • Genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)

SYMPTOMS

Knowing the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer can help you recognize any changes in your body that could be caused by cancer.

Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer may not cause any symptoms (especially at first), but symptoms may include:

  • Blood in your stool (bowel movement)
  • Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away
  • A change in bowel habits (like diarrhea or constipation) lasting more than a few days
  • Unexplained weight loss

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. You know your body best, so don’t be afraid to advocate for your health!

TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT

The good news is that colorectal cancer is preventable. Because most colorectal cancer cases start as precancerous polyps, getting screened is the most effective way to reduce your risk.

Start screening at age 45 if you’re at an average risk, but if you have certain risk factors you may need to start screening sooner or get screened more often, visit with your health care professional.

1 Step Test

Colonoscopy.

Your doctor can see and remove pre-cancers called

polyps and prevent, detect, or confirm colorectal cancer

ALL IN 1 STEP.

2 Step Test

1ST STEP-

Stool-Based Test

-FIT Test (Fecal Immunochemical Test) -LBPHD offers for free!

-Multitarget Stool DNA

OR

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

 OR

Imaging Test

-CT Colonography

-Colon Capsule

 

2nd STEP-

Positive test, then Colonoscopy

Get a FIT Screening Kit at Loup Basin! 

-Have it mailed

-Pick up at our office (934 I St. Burwell, NE)