Screenings Not to Miss for Colorectal Cancer | Westside Regional ...

Screening for colorectal cancer may not be fun, but it could save your life!

So you've hit the big 5-0. What are your plans this year? While we hope you have exciting celebrations in store, it should also be remembered that most patients should begin colorectal screenings after this birthday. According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is in second place among cancers that cause fatalities. Worried? You don't have to be. With the right precautions, you should have plenty of birthdays left ahead of you! Learn more about the screenings that could keep you kicking well into old age.

High-Sensitivity Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
Too many patients shy away from colorectal screenings because they believe they'll be invasive and uncomfortable. The FOBT screening requires only a simple stool test. Supply a sample, taken at home, once a year, and your doctor will let you know if any abnormalities need to be checked out.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
This screening checks for polyps with a small flexible tube that enters your rectum and travels into the lower part of your colon.

Colonoscopy
Not only is this the most thorough and accurate test available, your doctor will be able to remove any polyps during the procedure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a colonoscopy only needs to be performed once every ten years, especially if you are undergoing stool tests or a sigmoidoscopy in the meantime.

Get caught up on your recommended screenings with Westside Regional Medical Center's cancer care department. We are proud of our expert team of physicians and the high-quality care we provide. For more information, visit?our website or call us at 1-866-4HCA-DOCS (442-2362).

Related Posts:
Preventing Colorectal Cancer
How to Get Good Nutrition During Chemotherapy
Caregiver Tips: When Your Loved One Has Cancer

Source: http://blog.westsideregional.com/2013/03/28/screenings-not-to-miss-for-colorectal-cancer/

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