What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. These cancers can also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start.
Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common.
What Is Screening?
Screening is the process of looking for cancer in people who have no symptoms.
Several tests can be used to screen for colorectal cancer.
The most important thing is to get screened, no matter which test you choose.
Keep track of your/family medical history
consider your risk
Only patients at average risk should be getting a FIT, others will go directly to colonoscopy
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Average Risk
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No first degree relatives with CRC
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No previous adenomas
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No long-lasting inflammatory bowel disease
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Medium Risk
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Previous adenomas
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Longstanding inflammatory bowel disease
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First degree relatives with CRC
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High Risk
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Those with previous CRC
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Family history of FAP or HNPCC
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Other risk factors:
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Age
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Sedentary lifestyle
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Increased BMI/diet
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Smoking
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The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45.
about colorectal cancer
who should get screened
Find a clinic or physician to get screened
If you have a Primary Care Provider (PCP):
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Talk to your PCP about screening availability
If you don’t have Primary Care Provider (PCP):
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Find a medical home, such as the Bayview Hunters Point Clinic at the Arthur H. Coleman Medical Center or
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Contact one of our Community Partners for care
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Colorectal Cancer Alliance offers a financial assistance program.
They offer:-
screening assistance
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stipends for patients going through colorectal cancer treatment
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provide navigation to walk individuals through their cancer journey
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how to get screened
patient education
Joseph
Colon cancer screening is a must >
Early detection is the key to survival. I am a perfect example that in addition to living a healthy, active life, people should follow their physician’s advice and get screened.
For additional screening information
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Fight Colorectal Cancer (includes resources for finding free or low cost colonoscopy)
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CPMC Colon Cancer Screening CT
- American Cancer Society Recommendations
Get Your Cancer Screening Tests Flyer
You Can Prevent Colorectal Cancer Flyer
Resources in Spanish