Take the first step in colorectal cancer prevention.
Find out if you are at a higher risk for colon cancer. If not, then a screening test is not needed at this time.
If you are at increased risk, talk to a health care provider about when you need to start screening and what screening tests are right for you.
Regular screenings should begin at age 45 for average risk adults.
People who are in good health with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through the age of 75.Talk with your health care provider about whether continuing screening is right for you. Most people older than 85 no longer need to be screened.
Having someone to guide you through healthy lifestyle changes can make those changes easier. Reach out to one of our primary care providers today.
Regular colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful tools for preventing and detecting colorectal cancer.
Screening is the process of looking for cancer or pre-cancer in people who have no symptoms of the disease. Screening can be done either with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool (a stool-based test), or with an exam that looks at the colon and rectum (a visual exam).
The types of tests performed at our screening clinic include:
Dr. Jason Gutman, a Gastroenterologist for Rochester Regional Health, debunks some of the myths around colorectal cancer screenings and colonoscopies.
Watch NowEat a low calorie, high fiber diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based foods; limit red meat and processed foods.
Aim to get 30-60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than one drink a day.
If you smoke and would like help quitting, please contact our Smoking Cessation Program.
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight includes healthy eating, physical activity, optimal sleep, and stress reduction.
Knowing your family health history of colorectal cancer and sharing this information with your doctor can help you take steps to lower your risk.
Anyone can develop colorectal cancer; however, a few conditions can increase your risk of developing it.
Knowing your risk for getting colorectal cancer will help you decide when screening is right for you.
You are considered higher risk if you:
If any of these risk factors apply to you, talk with your healthcare provider about when to start screening.
Most often colorectal cancer doesn’t cause symptoms until it has grown or spread. That’s why it’s best to be tested for colorectal cancer before ever having any symptoms. However, symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:
These symptoms may not mean that you have colorectal cancer, but if you notice unexplained changes and they persist for more than two weeks, it is time to call a doctor.