Rectal Cancer Prevention
Is it possible to prevent Rectal Cancer? Read what the medical community suggests for prevention methods in the condition center at ThirdAge.com.
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How to Prevent Rectal Cancer
The cause of most rectal cancer is not known. Many colon and rectal cancers can be prevented by finding and removing polyps that could become cancer. Beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk for the development of colon and rectal cancer should follow one of the five screening options listed below:
- Yearly fecal occult blood test or fecal immunochemical test
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
- Double contrast barium enema (x-rays of the colon and rectum) every five years
- CT colonography every five years
People with any of the following risk factors should begin colon and rectal cancer screening earlier (at age 40) and/or undergo screening more often:
- Strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Known family history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes
- Personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
- Personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease
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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor
implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A
MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment
or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright ©2013 EBSCO Publishing All rights
reserved. Source: EBSCO
