Riverview Endoscopy

Colorectal Cancer Prevention

COLON CANCER SCREENING

The Australian Gastroenterology Institute and the American Gastroenterology Society both recommend all people over the age of 50 at average risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) be screened for the disease.

People with

• a family history of CRC in mother, father, brother, sister or child
• more than one relative with CRC, or
• colitis

are at higher than average risk and should begin screening 5 years younger than the age at which the relative developed CRC. Those with colitis or familial polyposis coli should begin screening with colonoscopy when the disease is recognised.

Colonoscopy provides the most complete and sensitive screening procedure. Tests which are less sensitive, namely flexible sigmoidoscopy and faecal occult blood testing, have been shown to be useful in preventing CRC.

For your protection against CRC discuss screening with your doctor.

If you develop bleeding from the bowel or a change in your bowel habit or motions (stools, faeces) consult your doctor for advice.

Presented by Dr Lindsay C MollisonRiverview Endoscopy Home Page

Disclaimer

Created 28 July 1997

Updated 14 May 2010

Comments Welcomed.