![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GettyImages-1345423867.jpg\")
<\/a>Colorectal cancer is a cancer that begins in either the colon or the rectum and almost always develops from abnormal growths known as precancerous polyps.<\/p>\nThe signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or when narrowing of stool lasts for more than a few days.<\/li>\n
- A feeling of needing a bowel movement that\u2019s not relieved by having one.<\/li>\n
- Rectal bleeding with bright red blood.<\/li>\n
- Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black.<\/li>\n
- Cramping or abdominal pain<\/li>\n
- Weakness and fatigue<\/li>\n
- Unintended weight loss<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Colorectal cancer is the number one cause of death for men under the age of 50 and the number two cause of death in women in the same age group.<\/p>\n
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends that adults aged 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer.<\/p>\n
There are two types of colorectal cancer screening tests:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Visual (structural) exams- are procedures done in a hospital setting by a doctor. These can include:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Colonoscopy<\/li>\n
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)<\/li>\n
- Sigmoidoscopy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These exams are beneficial because they not only look for cancer but can also prevent it by removing polyps that could potentially become cancerous.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Stool-based tests are done at home where you collect the test samples and send them to a lab for testing. Examples are:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)<\/li>\n
- Stool DNA test<\/li>\n
- Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
At-home tests are less invasive and easier to perform but must be done more often. Please note, that at-home tests can present false-positive and false-negative results. Any test with a positive result will require a colonoscopy.<\/p>\n
Choosing a colon screening test is not an easy decision, but it is a lifesaving one. Consult your doctor about the best colon screening options for you. You can commit to a screening schedule based on your personal risk factors. The earlier colon cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.<\/p>\n
You can receive a colorectal cancer screening from a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center\u2019s\u00a0Ambulatory Care Center<\/a>. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.<\/p>\n
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that begins in either the colon or the rectum and almost always develops from abnormal growths known as precancerous polyps. The signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer include: A change in bowel habits, such … Continue reading
- Stool-based tests are done at home where you collect the test samples and send them to a lab for testing. Examples are:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Visual (structural) exams- are procedures done in a hospital setting by a doctor. These can include:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n