Date:3/9/2009

over the age of 50 should be routinely screened for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is a preventable and highly treatable cancer when caught at an early stage. Routine screening can save lives. Recent statistics show that the incidence (the rate at which new cancers are diagnosed) and death rates from colorectal cancer are declining, in part due to prevention through screening and removing precancerous polyps. ASGE screening guidelines recommend that, beginning at age 50, men and women with no symptoms who are at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should have a colonoscopy every 10 years. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you should talk with your doctor because you may need to be screened prior to age 50. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States, with nearly 150,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Approximately 50,000 people die from it annually.

Although colorectal cancer often has no symptoms, warning signs that may indicate colorectal cancer include blood in your stools, narrower than normal stools, unexplained abdominal pain, unexplained change in bowel habits, unexplained anemia, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms may be caused by other benign diseases such as hemorrhoids, inflammation in the colon or irritable bowel syndrome. However, if you have any of these symptoms, you should be evaluated by your doctor.

The ASGE recommends talking to your doctor about screening options. If you are looking for a qualified physician in your area, please log on to www.screen4coloncancer.com or www.asge.org and click on "Find a Doctor."

About the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Founded in 1941, the mission of the Amer
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SOURCE American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Copyright©2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

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