Ulcerative Colitis

• Diet and exercise: A diet high in fat, particularly from animal sources and an inactive, sedentary lifestyle can increase a person's chance of developing colon cancer.

• Smoking and alcohol: Research suggests that smokers and heavy drinkers have an increased chance of developing colon cancer.

Knowing your family history is important in screening for colorectal cancer.

If there are cases of polyps or colorectal cancer in your family, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy or other tests prior to age 50.

However, if your family doesn’t have a history of the disease—and you’re age 50 or older—the following procedures are recommended: • A stool blood test, also known as a fecal occult blood test, every year.

A fecal occult blood test is designed to find tiny amounts of hidden blood in the stool.

Patients receive a kit that instructs them how to take stool samples at home.

The kit is then taken to a lab for testing.

Also recommended is a flexible sigmoidoscopy, an exam of the lower section of the colon and rectum.

The lower colon and rectum is the location of most polyps and cancers.

Recommended every five years.

OR • Colonoscopy, which examines the entire colon and rectum.

It is recommended ever...

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