Colorectal Cancer Screening Information

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer is one of the most common cancer diagnoses for both men and women. Screenings can detect colorectal cancer when it can still be treated. But screening rates for women are still quite low. We offer colonoscopies in one of the nation's few all-female endoscopy centers.

Symptoms vary depending on the location of the cancer within the colon or rectum, though there may be no symptoms at all. The most common presenting symptom is rectal bleeding. Cancers arising from the left side of the colon generally cause bleeding, and in their late stages may cause constipation, abdominal pain and obstructive symptoms. On the other hand, right-sided colon cancer may produce vague abdominal aching or weakness, weight loss and anemia from chronic blood loss.

 

Contact Information
For more information on our colorectal services or to schedule an appointment call, (401) 593-1581

Kent Hospital
455 Toll Gate Road
Warwick, RI 02886
P: (401) 593-1581
P: 1 (800) 892-9291

Other Symptoms:
  • Bright red blood in the stool
  • Diarrhea that is not the result of cold or flu
  • Constipation for an unusually long period
  • Cramps and pain in the abdominal region
  • Persistent decrease in size or caliber of stool
  • Frequent feeling of bloating in the abdominal or bowel region
  • Weight loss
  • Unusual and continuing lack of energy
Risk Factors:
  • Cancer of female organs
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Physical inactivity
  • High-fat diet
  • Low-fiber diet
  • Too few fruits and vegetables in your diet

A Colonoscopy Can Save Your Life

Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the United States.

Don't let Colorectal Cancer take you out of the picture.

Learn More

Who should be screened? How often?

Screenings can detect colorectal cancer when it can be treated. For individuals at normal risk, screening tests should begin at age 45. The preferred approach is a screening colonoscopy conducted every 10 years. In addition, consider the following recommendations for screening:

  • Colorectal cancer screening in African Americans may begin sooner than at the age of 45.
  • Colonoscopic surveillance needs to be performed at more frequent intervals for individuals at high risk for colon cancer - those with a personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps, family history of colorectal cancer (CRC), hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or irritable bowel disease (IBD).
  • An alternate strategy consists of annual stool test for blood and a flexible sigmoidoscopic exam every three to five years.