Colorectal cancer:

Unlock secrets to prevention.

The evidence is clear — screening for colorectal cancer may save your life. Today, more and more people are choosing colorectal cancer screening.

Colorectal cancer usually starts from polyps or other precancerous growths in the rectum or the colon (large intestine). The only way to find a polyp, precancerous growth or colorectal cancer is to do a screening test or procedure.

There are a few different types of colorectal cancer screenings that are covered under your benefits. Please talk with your doctor to determine which is the best option for you given your health history and risk factors. Other types of screenings are usually only recommended by your doctor when a visual screening procedure or a stool sample test can’t be done.

• Colonoscopy – During this outpatient procedure, your doctor uses a scope — a tiny camera attached to a long, thin tube — to look for signs of cancer, including inflamed tissue, abnormal growths and ulcers, throughout your entire colon and rectum.
• Sigmoidoscopy – Like the colonoscopy, your doctor uses a scope during this outpatient procedure to look for signs of cancer. Only the rectum and lower colon are screened.
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) – Stool samples collected at home are sent to a lab to test for the presence of microscopic amounts of blood from the lower intestines, which can be an early sign of cancer or precancerous polyps.

In addition to getting screened, there are many other healthy behaviors that can help lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Examples include maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, limiting alcohol and quitting smoking.

Learn more about reducing your risk of colon cancer.

Sources: FDA.gov; Sharp Health News

Sharp Direct Advantage is offered by Sharp Health Plan. Sharp Health Plan is an HMO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment with Sharp Health Plan depends on contract renewal. Read the full disclaimer.

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