CDC publication #99-6948.

CMS publication #11010 March 2002

For more information about 

colorectal cancer, visit

www.cdc.gov/cancer/ScreenforLife 

Or call the National Cancer Institute’s

Cancer Information Service:

1-800-4-CANCER

For TTY, call 1-800-332-8615

To find out about Medicare coverage, call

1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Types of Screening Tests

Several different screening tests can be usedto test for polyps or colorectal cancer. Eachcan be used alone. Sometimes they areused in combination with each other.Fecal Occult Blood Test or Stool Test - A

test you do at home using a test kit you getfrom your health care provider. You putstool samples on test cards and return thecards to the doctor or a lab. This test checksfor occult (hidden) blood in the stool.Flexible Sigmoidoscopy - A test in whichthe doctor puts a short, thin, flexible,lighted tube into your rectum. The doctorchecks for polyps or cancer in the rectumand lower third of the colon. Sometimesthis test is used in combination with thefecal occult blood test.Colonoscopy - This test is similar to flexiblesigmoidoscopy, except the doctor uses alonger, thin, flexible, lighted tube to check forpolyps or cancer in the rectum and the entirecolon. During the test, the doctor can findand remove most polyps and some cancers.Double Contrast Barium Enema - A testin which you are given an enema with aliquid called barium. The doctor takes x-rays of your colon. The barium allowsthe doctor to see the outline of your colonto check for polyps or other abnormalities.

Scr

SA

Colo

Ca
Who Gets Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer occurs most often in people age 50 and older. The riskincreases with age. Both men andwomen can get colorectal cancer.Are You at High Risk?Your risk for colorectalcancer may be higher thanaverage if you or a closerelative have had colorectalpolyps or cancer or if youhave inflammatory bowel disease. Speakwith your doctor about having earlier ormore frequent tests if you think you’re athigh risk for colorectal cancer.Screening Saves LivesIf you’re 50 or older, getting a screeningtest for colorectal cancer could save yourlife. Here’s how:■ Colorectal cancer usually starts from

polyps in the colon or rectum. A polypis a growth that shouldn’t be there.

■ Over time, some polyps can turn 

into cancer.

■ Screening tests can find polyps, so they

can be removed before they turn into cancer.

■ Screening tests can also find colorectal

cancer early, when the chance of beingcured is good.

What are tPeople who cancer don’t especially at polyps or coknow it. If tmay include

■ Blood in o

movement

■ Stomach a

happen a lo

■ A change 

as having sthan usual

■ Losing wei

If you have ato your doctbe caused by cancer. Howknow what your doctor.Insurance CMany insurahelp pay for Check with which tests aThe Bottom If you’re 50 doctor abou

What is Colorectal Cancer?Colorectal cancer is cancer that occursin the colon or rectum. The colon isthe large intestine or large bowel. Therectum is the passageway connectingthe colon to the anus.The Second Leading Cancer KillerColorectal cancer is the second leadingcancer killer in the U.S. But if everyone50 or older had regular screening tests, atleast one third of deaths from this cancercould be avoided.

Colon Polyp