Colon cancer awareness

How a polyp can become cancer

• Most polyps are not cancer, but some may turn into cancer over time.
• Removing polyps during a colonoscopy helps prevent colon cancer.

When to get screened

• Start at age 45.
• Keep screening through age 75.
• Ages 76 to 85: ask your doctor.
• You may need to start earlier if you have a family history, past polyps, IBD or a genetic syndrome.
• If a parent, brother, sister or child had colon cancer or an advanced polyp before age 60: colonoscopy at 40, or 10 years before their diagnosis, whichever is earlier, then every 5 years.

Your test options

• Colonoscopy: every 10 years
• FIT stool test: every year
• Stool DNA-FIT test: every 1 to 3 years
• CT colonography: every 5 years
• Any abnormal test needs a follow-up colonoscopy.

Talk to your doctor about these symptoms

• A change in bowel habits
• Blood in or on your stool
• Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that your bowel does not empty all the way
• Abdominal pain, aches or cramps that do not go away
• Weight loss you cannot explain
• Low iron levels (anemia)
• Polyps and colon cancer can cause no symptoms. That is why screening matters.

If a polyp was found: what to do

• Ask how many polyps were removed, their size and their type.
• Get your biopsy results. They usually take 5 to 7 days.
• Follow your discharge instructions, including those on aspirin and blood thinners.
• Ask when your next colonoscopy is due, and put it on your calendar.
• Tell your parents, brothers, sisters and children. They may need to start screening sooner.

Typical time to your next colonoscopy

An adenoma is a polyp that can turn into cancer. Small means under 10 mm. These are typical times for adults at average risk. Your doctor sets your date.

Ways to lower your risk

• Keep a healthy weight
• Stay active
• Eat vegetables, fruit and whole grains
• Limit red and processed meat
• Avoid alcohol or drink in moderation
• Do not smoke