Colorectal Cancer Screening 

If you're age 50 or older, you need to get routine screening for colon cancer. If you're at high risk, you may need to start screening before 50.

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in the US.  There is strong evidence that having regular screening tests for colorectal cancer beginning at age 50 reduces deaths from colorectal cancer. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon and rectum, and polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer. In this way, colorectal cancer can be prevented. Screening tests also can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best and the chance for a full recovery is very high.

Screening saves lives. Having regular screening tests beginning at age 50 could save your life. If you are over 50, make sure that you are being properly screened for colorectal cancer.   

Stamford Hospitals colorectal specialists offer the followng screening procedures:

• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) - An at home test that checks for occult (hidden) blood in the stool. This test is recommended yearly. (If blood is found, you likely will need a follow-up colonoscopy.)

• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy - This test is conducted at the doctor's office, a clinic or a hospital. The doctor uses a narrow, flexible, lighted tube to look at the inside of the rectum and the lower portion of the colon. During the exam, the doctor may remove some polyps (abnormal growths) and collect samples of tissue or cells for closer examination. This test is recommended every 5 years. (If polyps are found, you will need a follow-up colonoscopy.)

• Colonoscopy -  Colonoscopy is conducted in a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital. You are given a sedative to make you more comfortable, while the doctor uses a narrow, flexible, lighted tube to look at the inside of the rectum and the entire colon. (This test is similar to flexible sigmoidoscopy, except the tube used is longer and allows the doctor to see the entire colon.) During the exam, the doctor may remove some polyps (abnormal growths) and collect samples of tissue or cells for closer examination. This test is recommended every 10 years.

Click here to learn more about colorectal cancer.

Take our Interactive Colorectal Cancer Quiz  » Go

For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).