Talking with Your Doctor about Colorectal Cancer

Know before you go

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults age 45 to 75 get screened for colorectal cancer. The decision to get screened between ages 76 and 85 should be made on an individual basis. If you are older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening. People at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer should talk to their doctors about when to begin screening, which test is right for them, and how often to get tested.

Several screening tests can be used to find polyps or colorectal cancer. The benefits and risks of these screening methods vary. Discuss with your doctor which test is best for you.

Check with your insurance provider to find out which tests are covered by your insurance plan and how much you will have to pay. If you are getting a colonoscopy, ask if you will have out-of pocket costs if polyps are found. Medicare helps pay for colorectal cancer screening.

Ask your doctor

• Do I need to get a screening test for colorectal cancer?
• What screening test(s) do you recommend for me? Why?
• How do I prepare? Do I need to change my diet or my usual medication before taking the test?
• What's involved in the test? Will it be uncomfortable or painful?
• Is there any risk involved?
• How much time will I need to take off from work or other responsibilities?
• When and from whom will I get results?

If you’re having a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, you will want to know:

• Who will do the exam?
• Will I need someone with me?

If you're at increased risk

Some people are at increased risk because they have inflammatory bowel disease, a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer, or genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (also known as Lynch syndrome). These people may need to start screening earlier than age 45. If you believe you are at increased risk, ask your doctor if you should begin screening earlier than age 45.

If you're having symptoms

Tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

• A change in bowel habits.
• Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).
• Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way.
• Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that do not go away.
• Weight loss and you don't know why.

These symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know what is causing them is to speak with your doctor about them.