Colorectal cancer develops from abnormal growth in the lining of the colon or rectum, called polyps. Screening is performed to detect the disease at its earliest stage, so it can be cured. The primary goal of the colorectal cancer screening is to identify polyps and remove them before they become malignant. Early detection helps to prevent death from the disease.

Who should be screened for colorectal cancer?

Men and women age 50 and above This increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer. While being overweight or obese raises the risk of colorectal cancer in both men and women, men are at a higher risk.

High Risk Individuals People who are at risk of developing colorectal cancer should be screened before the age of 50. If you are at risk, your doctor can advise when to begin the screening tests and how often.

The risk factors for developing colorectal cancer include:

CT colonography (CTC)/(virtual colonoscopy) - Performed every five years

Colonoscopy - Performed every 10 years

Double-contrast barium enema - Performed every 5 years

Flexible sigmoidoscopy - Performed every 5 years

Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) - Performed every year

Stool DNA test - Performed every three years

What happens if something is detected?

If blood, polyps or other suspicious areas are detected during screening (other than colonoscopy) your doctor will most likely recommend a follow-up colonoscopy. If polyps are found during a colonoscopy, a biopsy or polypectomy may be performed to determine if it is malignant.

Contact Polymedco CDP, LLC

Polymedco CDP, LLC is a world leader in fecal occult blood screening technology, providing the new standard of care with the OC-Auto® product line. Get FIT a simple, affordable, at home screening kit. Call us at 888-638-7757 or email at tpucci@polymedco.com.