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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat<\/em> is a colorectal cancer screening?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nA screening test is used to look for a disease when a person doesn\u2019t have gastrointestinal symptoms. (When a person has symptoms, diagnostic tests are used to find out the cause of the symptoms.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early when treatment works best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are two main types of colorectal cancer screening tests:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stool-Based Test<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The multitarget stool DNA testing for colorectal-cancer screening checks the stool (feces) for signs of cancer. These tests are less invasive and easier to have done, but they need to be done more often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visual\/Structural Exam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
These tests look at the structure of the colon and rectum for any abnormal areas. This is done either with a scope (a tube-like instrument with a light and tiny video camera on the end) put into the rectum, or with special imaging (x-ray) tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When should screening for colorectal cancer begin?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Most people should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50, then continue getting screened at regular intervals. However, you may need to be tested earlier than 50, or more often than other people, if…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- You, or a close relative, have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.<\/li>
- You have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn\u2019s disease or ulcerative colitis.<\/li>
- You have a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you think you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, contact us or speak with your provider about when to begin screening, which test is right for you, and how often to get tested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nContact Us<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nColorectal Cancer Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Being aware of the symptoms of colorectal cancer and understanding risks can help prevent this cancer from happening to you, or help you catch it as early as possible. Some of the early stages of colorectal cancer may not show any signs \u2014 this is why colorectal cancer screening is so important. If you have any signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer, do not ignore them, tell your doctor right away. Colon cancer symptoms and rectal cancer symptoms are very similar and can overlap. If you experience any of the following colorectal cancer symptoms, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Rectal Bleeding<\/li>
- Blood In Stool<\/li>
- Ongoing Changes In Bowel Habits<\/li>
- Stools That Are Narrower Than Usual<\/li>
- Frequent Gas Pains<\/li>
- Frequent Bloating<\/li>
- Frequent Feeling of Being Full<\/li>
- Frequent Abdominal Pain & Cramps<\/li>
- Weight Loss (Without Reason)<\/li>
- Tiredness<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not uncommon for individuals diagnosed in the early stages (stage I or II) to not experience any colorectal cancer symptoms. Symptoms of early-stage colorectal cancer are not always obvious or visible. Oftentimes it\u2019s only when colorectal cancer has grown into late-stage cancer or spread that symptoms appear. That is why it is so important to schedule your colorectal cancer screening test now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A risk factor is anything that raises your chance of getting a disease. Some risk factors, like smoking, can be changed. Others, like a person\u2019s age or family history, can\u2019t be changed. It is important to note that having a risk factor, or even many risk factors, does not mean that you will get colorectal cancer. It is also important to note that some people who get the disease may not have any known risk factors. Researchers have found several risk factors that may increase a person\u2019s chance of developing colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Being overweight or obese<\/li>
- Not being physically active<\/li>
- A diet that’s high in red\/processed meats<\/li>
- Smoking<\/li>
- Alcohol Use<\/li>
- Over the age of 50<\/li>
- A personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer<\/li>
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease<\/li>
- A family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps<\/li>
- Having an inherited syndrome<\/li>
- Having Type 2 diabetes<\/li>
- Your racial and ethnic background
- African Americans have the highest colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates of all racial groups in the US.<\/li>
- Jews of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews) have one of the highest colorectal cancer risks of any ethnic group in the world.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Will<\/em> my insurance cover a colorectal cancer screening?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nMost insurance plans and Medicare help pay for colorectal cancer screening for people who are 50 years old or older. Colorectal cancer screening costs may be covered by your health insurance policy without a deductible or co-pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
HealthCore Clinic accepts KanCare \/ Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP and private insurance. We offer sliding scale fees and prescription assistance for those not covered by insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you think you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, contact us or speak with your provider about when to begin screening, which test is right for you, and how often to get tested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Being aware of the symptoms of colorectal cancer and understanding risks can help prevent this cancer from happening to you, or help you catch it as early as possible. Some of the early stages of colorectal cancer may not show any signs \u2014 this is why colorectal cancer screening is so important. If you have any signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer, do not ignore them, tell your doctor right away. Colon cancer symptoms and rectal cancer symptoms are very similar and can overlap. If you experience any of the following colorectal cancer symptoms, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Rectal Bleeding<\/li>
- Blood In Stool<\/li>
- Ongoing Changes In Bowel Habits<\/li>
- Stools That Are Narrower Than Usual<\/li>
- Frequent Gas Pains<\/li>
- Frequent Bloating<\/li>
- Frequent Feeling of Being Full<\/li>
- Frequent Abdominal Pain & Cramps<\/li>
- Weight Loss (Without Reason)<\/li>
- Tiredness<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not uncommon for individuals diagnosed in the early stages (stage I or II) to not experience any colorectal cancer symptoms. Symptoms of early-stage colorectal cancer are not always obvious or visible. Oftentimes it\u2019s only when colorectal cancer has grown into late-stage cancer or spread that symptoms appear. That is why it is so important to schedule your colorectal cancer screening test now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A risk factor is anything that raises your chance of getting a disease. Some risk factors, like smoking, can be changed. Others, like a person\u2019s age or family history, can\u2019t be changed. It is important to note that having a risk factor, or even many risk factors, does not mean that you will get colorectal cancer. It is also important to note that some people who get the disease may not have any known risk factors. Researchers have found several risk factors that may increase a person\u2019s chance of developing colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Being overweight or obese<\/li>
- Not being physically active<\/li>
- A diet that’s high in red\/processed meats<\/li>
- Smoking<\/li>
- Alcohol Use<\/li>
- Over the age of 50<\/li>
- A personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer<\/li>
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease<\/li>
- A family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps<\/li>
- Having an inherited syndrome<\/li>
- Having Type 2 diabetes<\/li>
- Your racial and ethnic background
- African Americans have the highest colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates of all racial groups in the US.<\/li>
- Jews of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews) have one of the highest colorectal cancer risks of any ethnic group in the world.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Will<\/em> my insurance cover a colorectal cancer screening?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Most insurance plans and Medicare help pay for colorectal cancer screening for people who are 50 years old or older. Colorectal cancer screening costs may be covered by your health insurance policy without a deductible or co-pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
HealthCore Clinic accepts KanCare \/ Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP and private insurance. We offer sliding scale fees and prescription assistance for those not covered by insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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