Colorectal Screening 

Getting Tested Can Save Your Life 

By Kerrita McClaughlyn


Closing the Gap, Men’s Health • September/October 2001


Colorectal cancer will kill more than 

48,000 people this year, including 

23,000 men, yet it is a disease that 

can be detected early through screening and 

treated early to prevent fatalities. Studies have 

concluded that many minority men are either afraid to be screened or are simply unaware that screening is available for the disease. 

“In my opinion, men are afraid to get 

screened because of their perception that the 

procedures will be painful. The other factor 

is the cost. It’s expensive to be screened for 

colorectal cancer and if you don’t have insurance it becomes a problem. It’s hard to recommend to poor minority men,’’ said Dr. 

Kimoon Bang, senior epidemiologist of the 

National Institute for Occupational Safety 

and Health, Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention. 

Colorectal cancer develops in the colon 

or rectum. Most begin as a polyp (adenoma) 

and over many years develop into cancer. 

Screening tests can detect cancer, polyps that 

may eventually become cancerous, and other 

abnormal conditions. 

“Blacks and other minority men are at a 

higher risk for colorectal cancer. For minority 

men over age 50, it’s worth it to do a screening once a year. If you detect the cancer early, 

there’s a much better survival rate,” said Dr. 

Bang. 

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in 

the United States. They estimate that about 

98,200 new cases of colon cancer, (46,200 

men), and 37,200 new cases of rectal cancer 

(21,100 men), will be diagnosed this year. 

“Because of diet, excess weight, genetic 

factors, smoking and inactivity, minority men 

are at higher-risk of developing colorectal cancer,” Dr. Bang said. “Occupational factors 

such as working with dust can also lead to 

high risk.” 

Other risk factors include age, because 

colorectal cancer is more likely to develop as 

people get older; presence and growth of 

polyps; and a family history of the disease. 

Despite minority men’s high-risk status 

and fear of screening, the death rate for 

colorectal cancer has been going down for 

the past 20 years. Many cases are being found 

early, and treatment methods have improved. 

Screening Tests 

There are a number of standard tests 

used to screen for and detect colon cancer or 

abnormalities that may indicate disease. 

These tests include: 

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)—a test for 

hidden blood in the stool. Studies show that 

a FOBT performed every one or two years in 

people between the ages of 50 and 80 decreases the number of deaths due to colorectal 

cancer. 

Sigmoidoscopy—an examination of the rectum and lower colon with a lighted instrument. Studies suggest that fewer people may 

A change in bowel movements 

die of colorectal cancer if they have regular 

screening by sigmoidoscopy after the age of 

50. 

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)—a test in which 

the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger 

into the rectum to feel for abnormal areas. 

DRE is often included as part of a routine 

physical examination, but it is not recommended as a stand-alone test for finding 

colorectal cancer. The evidence available does 

not suggest that digital rectal examination is 

effective in decreasing mortality from 

colorectal cancer. 

Double Contrast Barium Enema—a series 

of x-rays of the colon and rectum. The x-rays 

are taken after the patient is given an enema 

with a white, chalky solution that contains 

barium to outline the colon and rectum on 

the x-rays. Barium enema may be effective in 

detecting large polyps. 

Colonoscopy—an examination of the rectum 

and entire colon with a lighted instrument. 

If a doctor sees polyps or other abnormal tissue during the procedure, they can be removed and further examined under a microscope. Studies suggest that colonoscopy is a 

more effective screening method than barium 

enema. 

For more information, call the National 

Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service 

at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237), or 

go to http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov/

Common Signs of Colorectal Cancer 

Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely


Blood in the stool (either bright red or very dark in color)


Stools that are narrower than usual


General abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness and/or cramps)


Weight loss with no known reason 

Constant tiredness 

Vomiting 

Office of Minority Health Resource Center U.S. Department of Health and Human Services