COLONOSCOPIES S A V E L I V E S
According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the
U.S. Colorectal cancer usually starts from polyps or other precancerous growths in the rectum or the colon (large intestine).
People with precancerous growths or signs of colorectal cancer don’t always have symptoms. That is why screening is so
important. Through a colonoscopy, doctors can see and remove growths or suspicious tissue before they become cancerous.
YOU R R I S K F O R C O LO R E C TA L C A N C E R I N C R E A S E S I F YOU :
• Smoke
• ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease
• Have a family history of colorectal cancer
• Have a personal history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps
• Have certain genetic syndromes (for example, Lynch or familial
adenomatous polyposis)
• Have diabetes
S E E YOU R D O C TO R I F YOU H AV E A N Y O F T H E S E S Y M P TO M S ,
e v e n t h o u g h t h e y d o n o t n e c e s s a r i l y i n d i c a t e c o l o r e c t a l c a n c e r :
• A change in bowel habits (for example, diarrhea,
constipation, feeling that the bowel does not empty
all the way)
• Bright or dark blood in stool
• Stools narrower than usual
• Frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps
• Weight loss for no known reason
• Feeling very tired
• Vomiting
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
However, some people who are at a higher risk for colon cancer may need to be screened earlier and/or undergo more
frequent screening. Please discuss this with your doctor.
“I hope to make new patients feel comfortable,” says Brandee Albert, DO, gastroenterologist at Hamilton Physician Group-
Gastroenterology. “I discuss the procedures in detail and answer questions to ease any anxiety patients may have.”
H O W C A N I R E D U C E M Y R I S K ?
A number of factors may put you at risk for colorectal cancer: your age, medical history, race, or ethnicity. But you can reduce
that risk. Here’s how:
• Undergo regular screenings
• Exercise regularly and vigorously
• Maintain a healthy diet (high in vegetables and
fruits; low in red and processed meats)
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
• Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke
13