Colon cancer

What is colon cancer?

 

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. It typically affects adults between the ages of 50-75 years. Luckily, there are easy steps you can take to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce your risk. Still, some people may not have early symptoms, so it’s important to get screened.  

 

A screening will look for colon cancer in your large intestine (colon) or the rectum, which connects the colon to the anus.

 

If you’re between ages 76-85, talk to your doctor to see if a colon cancer screening is right for you.

colorectal graphic
senior man cooking

Could I be at risk?

Factors that can increase your likelihood of colon cancer include:

Being older than 50
Having a personal history of cancer
Having a family history of colon cancer
Being overweight
Eating a low-fiber diet or lots of processed meats
Not being physically active
Smoking
Drinking a heavy amount of alcohol

Are there any signs I should look out for?
 

Yes. Many people don’t have symptoms of colon cancer until it’s serious. But there are some signs you can look for:

 

  •  Unexplained weight loss
  •  Weakness or fatigue
  •  Continuing diarrhea, constipation, or changes in consistency
  •  Continuing stomach discomfort, cramps, or gas pain
  •  Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool

How can I help prevent colon cancer?

 

  •  Stay physically active.
  •  Maintain a healthy weight.
  •  Eat fruits and vegetables.
  •  Limit red and processed meats.
  •  Avoid alcohol in excess.
  •  Talk with your healthcare provider about other ways to lower your risk.
A female doctor of Hispanic descent is consulting a senior male patient.

What are my screening options?
 

Fortunately, there are several different options. Your doctor can help you decide:

  •  The pros and cons of each screening.
  •  How often you should be screened.
  •  Which test is right for you.

Finding the right test for you can depend on:

  •  How comfortable you are with screenings.
  •  Your preferences.
  •  Your medical condition.
  •  Your personal and family history of colon cancer or polyps.
  •  Having a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), or hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (Lynch syndrome).
  •  The resources available for screening and follow-up.
  • Learn more about the different types of colon screenings*

    *You are leaving the HealthHub website and are being directed to another site. Please refer to your Explanation of Coverage (EOC) for details on your benefits and coverages.


Regular screenings reduce your risk of dying from colon cancer, increase options for treatment, and potentially lower your healthcare costs.

So, how do I schedule a screening?
 

Download and sign in to the Sydney Health app or your plan website. Then you can schedule an appointment with a screening center near you. Before scheduling, it’s a good idea to confirm your doctor has placed an order for you.
 

You can also use the app and plan portal to schedule appointments with:

  •  Your doctor or primary care provider (PCP)
  •  Network labs
  •  Specialists
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