Screening Test

• The best test to screen for colon cancer is a colonoscopy which shoud start at age 45.  If you are at a high risk for colon cancer, you may need to start screening sooner.

• Your stool can be tested using guaiac-based fecal occult blood test or fecal immunochemical test once a year.  Your stool can also be tested using a FIT-DNA test which is done once every three years.

How can I prevent Colon Cancer?

Avoiding cigaretts, limiting alcohol intake, increasing your physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can decrease your risk for colon cancer.

Risk Factors

• Ulcerative colitis

• Chron Disease

• Having a history of radiation in your abdomem or pelvic region

• Cystic fibrosis

• Family history of colon cancer

• Having cancer causing genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, CDKN2A, TP53, APC, biallelic MUTYH

• Sedantary lifestyle

• Alcohol use

• Obesity

• A low-fiber high-fat diet

• Diet low in fruits and vegetables

• Eating processed meats

• cigarette smoking

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

• Fatigue

• Blood in your stool

• Unexplained weight loss

• Persistant abdominal discomfort

• A change in your bowel habits