Colorectal Cancer Quiz

Explanation
Age is one of the most significant factors for colorectal cancer. Over 95% of colon cancer appears in people ages 50 or older. The older you are, the higher the risk.*

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Explanation
The number of new colorectal cases and the number of deaths from colorectal cancer are both decreasing by a small amount each year. However, in adults ages 50 and older, the number of new colorectal cases has increased over the past decade.*

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Explanation
-Having a diet that is high in fat, and low in fiber puts you at a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer.
-You are more likely to develop colorectal cancer if one of your parents, siblings, or children has had the disease.
-Long-term cigarette smoking also increases your risk for colorectal cancer, as tobacco appears to increase polyp size in the colon. The larger the polyp, the larger the chance it will become cancerous.
-Heavy drinking has also been liked to colorectal cancer, especially distilled spirits (vodka, gin, and burbon).
-Leading an active lifestyle can decrease your chances of developing colorectal cancer.*

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Explanation
A Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is a simple test that checks for small amounts of blood in the stool that are to small to be seen. This test is safe, painless, and can be done in the privacy of your home. This test should be done yearly once you turn 50.

A Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is a test that checks for polyps and cancer inside the rectum and colon. For this test, a thin, short, flexible tube is placed in your rectum. This test should be done every 5 years, starting at the age of 50.

A Colonoscopy is much like a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This test also checks for polyps and cancer in the rectum and colon with a short, thin, flexible tube placed in your rectum. For this test, you will be sedated. This screening should be done every 10 years, starting at age 50.*

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Explanation
Colorectal cancer is unique in that it has a long precancerous phase as growths or polyps, which can exist for years before becoming cancerous. If you get screened regularly, the growths or polyps can be caught early, and the cancer can be prevented.*

*http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/