Take this quiz to find out why, when and where you should be screened for this common cancer.
Colorectal is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. (excluding skin cancers), and can be prevented if signs are caught early. People should get a colonoscopy or other screening test recommended by their physician at age 50, earlier if the patient is in a high-risk group or has possible symptoms. How well do you understand your risk? Check it out with this quiz based on information provided by the American Cancer Society.
1. Colorectal cancer can often be prevented.
True or False?
2. Colon cancer is a problem only for older people.
True or False?
3. If I have no symptoms, I don't need to get screened.
True or False?
4. Colonoscopy is the only test used to screen for colorectal cancer in people who have no symptoms of it.
True or False?
5. Early detection leads to a high survival rate.
True or False?
And the answer is...
1. TRUE. Regular colorectal cancer screening can find abnormal colon growths called polyps so they can be removed
before they develop into cancer. You can also lower your risk with regular physical activity, by maintaining a healthy weight and by eating a nutritious diet with minimal sugar and processed foods.
2. FALSE. While the disease most commonly appears after age 50, a recent analysis found that the rate of colon and rectal cancers has been steadily increasing in people under age 50. If you are at high risk based on family history or other factors, you may need to start screening earlier. Talk with your doctor.
3. FALSE. Many people with early-stage colorectal cancer don’t have symptoms. If you do have the following symptoms, check with your doctor. The cause could be one of a number of things besides cancer, but you will want to find out what it is so it can be treated:
- A change in bowel habits that lasts for more than a few days
- A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that’s not relieved by doing so
- Rectal bleeding, dark stools or blood in the stool
- Cramping or belly pain
- Weakness and extreme tiredness that doesn’t get better with rest
- Unintended weight loss.
4. FALSE. Tests can be divided into two groups: stool (feces) tests, which check the stool for signs of cancer, and visual (structural) exams that look at the structure inside of the colon and rectum. Besides colonoscopy, visual exams include CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
5. TRUE. American Cancer Society statistics show that the five-year survival rate for people with localized colon or rectal cancer is about 90 percent. In addition, treatments and therapies continue to improve over time.
Screening made easier
With the Easy Access Colonoscopy at Jersey City Medical Center’s Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), you can now bypass a colonoscopy consult with a gastroenterologist. The clinical staff at the ASC will screen your eligibility for the procedure by phone and connect you with one of Jersey City Medical Center’s top physicians.
The doctor’s office will work with you to schedule your appointment and send your pre-procedure prescription to the pharmacy of your choice. The process can be completed from the comfort of your home up until the day of your appointment.
The ASC boasts the most advanced endoscopy suite in Hudson County, with state-of-the-art endoscopes along with high-definition monitors to better detect any precancerous tissue. It employ s the latest techniques to minimize post-procedure discomfort and bloating.
The ASC is located at 377 Jersey Avenue, Suite 510, Jersey City, just minutes from the Jersey City Medical Center main hospital campus. To learn more, call 201.878.3200 or visit www.rwjbh.org/jcmcambulatorysurgery.