Patient Information - Why Should I Be Screened?

• Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and rectum.
• An estimated 148,810 people were diagnosed in 2008 and an estimated 49, 960 people will die from the disease.
• Colorectal cancer is the #2 cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.
• Colorectal caner is 90% preventable when detected early
• Both men and women are at risk
• 93% of cases occur in people age 50 and older
• People do not always have symptoms, especially at first.
• An average risk person should be screened at age 50
• You may be at a higher risk if you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or benign colorectal polyps or personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Screening exams save lives.
• Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps.   Screening exams can find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.