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6 Risk Factors for Colon Cancer RISK FACTORS YOU CAN CONTROL:

• Your fitness level. Aim for 45 minutes of movement, 5 times a week.

• Smoking. Quitting smoking will reduce your risk of developing several kinds of cancer.

• Drinking alcohol. Limit use to one drink per day.

RISK FACTORS YOU CAN’T CONTROL:

• Your age. People over 50 are more likely to get colon cancer.

• Family history. Having relatives with colon cancer or other bowel diseases puts you at higher risk.

• Genetic factors. Having certain genes affects the growth of polyps in your intestines.

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COLON CANCER

YOUR PREVENTION

AND TREATMENT OPTIONS

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What Is Colon Cancer? Colon cancer is a short name for colorectal cancer. It refers to cancer that’s in the colon and rectum. This type of cancer develops when too many cells divide inside the part of the digestive system called the large intestine.

Some of these abnormal cells form bumps called polyps inside the colon. Not all polyps cause cancer. But over time, some may become cancerous. Left untreated, cancerous cells inside a polyp can spread into the colon or rectum.

The most common kind of colon cancer begins inside the glands that make mucus for the large intestine. Other types of colon cancer begin inside cells that make hormones for the colon or in the lymph nodes. Cancerous cells in the blood vessels or muscles of your colon are the rarest types of colon cancer.

Colon cancer affects men and women of all racial and ethnic groups. It’s most common in people over age 50.

Common Questions Do I really need to fast before my colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy? It’s important that your bowel is completely clean so your doctor has a clear view of anything suspicious. You should expect to drink only clear liquids for at least 24 hours before your test. You may also need to take medicine that helps clear your bowel. You won’t be able to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your test. Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.

How long do screenings take? These procedures usually take 30-45 minutes. It might take longer if your doctor fnds polyps that need to be removed.

Do the procedures hurt? You shouldn’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. You’ll be given medicine that makes you sleep. If you have polyps removed, you may have some blood in your stool in the days after your test. You may also experience cramps, bloating or gas due to the air pumped inside your colon.

Why do I need someone to drive me home? The drug that makes you comfortable during the screening test takes a while to wear off. It is not safe to drive during this time. You’ll also want someone with you in case you feel dizzy or need help getting around.

Learn More The NYC Department of Health provides more information on colon cancer prevention and treatment. Go to nyc.gov/health and search “colon cancer.”

MetroPlus Health Plan offers case management and free cancer screenings. Go to metroplus.org to learn more.

4 WAYS TO CHECK FOR COLON CANCER

COLONOSCOPY FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY

FECAL OCCULT BLOOD TEST

DOUBLE-CONTRAST BARIUM ENEMA

This is the most common screening test. Your doctor uses a long, fexible, lighted tube to look for polyps inside your large intestine. In some cases, polyps can be removed during the screening test. This test is recommended every 10 years after you turn 50.

This process is similar to a colonoscopy, but the fexible tube is shorter. It allows doctors to see only the lower third of the large intestine. It’s recommended every 5 years after age 50.

This tests for blood in the stool. You use a special kit at home to gather a small stool sample. You return the kit to your doctor or a lab, where a technician tests for the presence of blood. This test should be done every year.

This test may also be called a lower GI series. Chalky liquid and air are used to outline the inside of the colon. Doctors then take X-rays of your colon to look for polyps or other growths.