What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer refers to colon cancer or bowel cancer. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. Therefore, it is important to have colon cancer screening if you are at risk. Urgent care can help.
Screening Saves Lives
If you are 50 or older, getting a colorectal cancer screening test could save your life.
Here’s how:
• Colorectal cancer usually starts from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. A polyp is a growth that shouldn’t be there.
• Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer.
• Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. These tests also can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.
Therefore, make the choice to have a screening.
Who Gets Colon Cancer?
- Both men and women can get it.
- People ages 50 or older are at a higher risk.
- The risk increases with age.
Are You at High Risk?
Your risk for colon cancer may be higher than average if you have:
- A close relative with colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.
- Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.
- A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.
According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, adults ages 50-75 should have colorectal cancer screening. People at high risk for colorectal cancer may need earlier or more frequent tests than other people.
Walk-in to any of our clinics and talk to our providers about getting screened. No appointment is necessary at our clinics and you’ll only wait minutes to be seen. You can call ahead at (917) 310-3371 and let us know you’re on the way or you can check in online.
Source: CDC
