New rules for Colorectal Cancer Screening
The American Cancer Society has just issued new Age rules for Colorectal Cancer Screening. The
guidelines now suggest that all patients be screened at age 45 unless there is an indication for earlier.
Colorectal Cancer screening**
** These may be some of the indications for earlier Colorectal Cancer Screening
1. A gradual “change” in your bowel habits
You find that you suddenly have constipation [difficulty passing your stools], or you notice that you are having persistent diarrhea or loose bowel movements.
2. Blood in Your Stools
A new onset of Rectal bleeding or a new finding of blood in your stools, on the toilet paper or a
positive stool test for blood on a stool test kit from your doctor or from the drug store.
3. Persistent Rectal bleeding
Persistent rectal bleeding either on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
4. A Family History of colorectal Cancer
A history of colorectal cancer in a parent or in several first-degree family members.
5. A Family History of Multiple Colon Polyps
A family history of multiple colon polyps in a parent or several first-degree relatives that are known
to have had multiple colon polyps.
6. A Personal history of Colorectal Cancer
If you have had colon cancer that was cured, or you are currently being treated for colon cancer.
7. ‘Familial Polyposis Syndrome’
If you have a history of family members that have had their colon removed as a precaution against colorectal cancer you should consider earlier Colorectal Cancer Screening.
8. Pain or discomfort passing bowel movement
You should consider earlier Colorectal Cancer Screening if you have developed pain and discomfort with passing your bowel movement for no apparent reason.
9.Abnormal X-ray of the the abdomen
If you have abnormal X-ray of the abdomen: CAT scan, MRI, Barium Enema or other imaging study
that showed an abnormal lesion in the colon you should consider earlier Colorectal Cancer Screening.
10. Unexplained Chronic Anemia
If you have Chronic Anemia and preliminary tests have not shown a cause of the anemia, you should consider earlier colorectal cancer screening.
11. You have had Ulcerative Colitis of greater than 10 years duration
You need to undergo colonoscopy for ‘colon mapping’ to look for flat polyps of the colon that can turn to cancer.
12. You have had Crohn’s disease of greater than 10 years duration
You need to undergo periodic colonoscopy for ‘colon mapping’ to look for flat polyps of the colon that can turn to cancer.