Colorectal Screening Guidelines
Among our top priorities is the early detection of colorectal cancer – the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. – which is both “treatable and beatable” if found in early stages.
Tragically, less than half of colon or rectal cancer patients are diagnosed at this stage, when treatment is most likely to be successful.
At BHS, we are determined to reduce this alarming trend in our own community through a comprehensive program of aggressive outreach, education and screening colonoscopies.
Routine colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 50 and continue until life expectancy is less than 10 years, or to 75-80 years of age.
African Americans appear to be at increased risk of colorectal cancer and should initiate screening at age 45.
People with an increased risk of colon cancer based on such variables as listed below will often require screening at an earlier age and have to undergo more frequent screening compared to those at average risk. You are in this higher-risk category if you have:
· A personal history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps
· A family history of colorectal cancer or genetic syndrome predisposing to an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease
Read a column by Jeffrey St. John, MD, about screening colonoscopy.
