Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign

 

CDC’s Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign informs men and women aged 50 years and older about the importance of having regular colorectal cancer screening tests.

Screening tests help find precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) so they can be removed before they have a chance to turn into cancer. This prevents colorectal cancer. Screening also can find this cancer early, when treatment is most effective. However, about one-third of adults aged 50 or older (about 22 million people)—the age group at greatest risk of developing colorectal cancer—have not been screened as recommended.

To learn about how Screen for Life was developed, read the campaign overview.[PDF-371KB] You can also read about the campaign’s latest achievements and activities.[PDF-921KB]

Risk Factors

Your risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as you get older. More than 90% of cases occur in people who are 50 years old or older. Other risk factors include having—

 

Lifestyle factors that may contribute to an increased risk of colorectal cancer include—

 https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/risk_factors.htm

 

What Should I Know About Screening? Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/

 

Questions to Ask Your Doctor - Several screening tests can be used to find polyps or colorectal cancer. The benefits and risks of these screening methods vary. Discuss with your doctor which test is best for you. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/questions.htm

 

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Colorectal Cancer? The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is by having regular colorectal cancer screening tests beginning at age 50. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/prevention.htm

 

What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer? Colorectal cancer doesn't always cause symptoms, especially at first. See a list of possible symptoms. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/symptoms.htm

 

 

 

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention –

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/sfl/

Filed Under: Health