Ulcerative Colitis

It can be detected very early on if, beginning at age 50, you follow the proper screening schedules, including a yearly fecal occult blood test, where your stool is checked for blood; a sigmoidoscopy every five years to look inside the rectum and colon for polyps or other abnormal areas; a double-contrast barium enema every five years where X-rays are taken of your intestines; and a colonoscopy that looks inside the rectum and the entire colon for polyps every 10 years.

If pre-cancerous polyps are detected, they can be removed to prevent colorectal cancer.

If colorectal cancer is found, your doctor may recommend radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy either before or after surgery to remove the tumor.

Much of what type of treatment you receive depends on the location and stage of the cancer, your overall health and family history.

Colorectal cancer does have a high survival rate, with more than 90 percent of patients living five years after initial diagnosis.

“Talking about colorectal cancer can be embarrassing for many people, but taking advantage of the screening processes available is extremely important.

As with any form of cancer, the key to treating and potentially curing colorectal cancer is to...

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