Lake Regional Health System | Thrive | Spring 2020

lakeregional.com 7 You may need to start earlier if you’re at high risk for the disease. colorectal cancer are most likely to succeed.” Better yet, screening can even help prevent colorectal cancer. One type of test lets doc- tors find and remove intestinal growths, called polyps, which can become cancerous. Thanks in part to screening, colon cancer death rates have been declining, although the disease is still a leading cause of U.S. can- cer deaths. That’s why everyone needs to be screened, as recommended. Screening options Different colorectal cancer screening tests are available, including: Take-home stool tests. You return these to a lab or your doctor’s office. Flexible sigmoidoscopy. This uses a light- ed viewing scope to check part of the colon. Virtual colonoscopy. This is a computed tomography (CT) scan of the colon and rectum. Colonoscopy. This is the most complete test because it checks the entire colon and rectum for polyps and cancer. And if you decide to have one of the other screening tests and you get an abnormal result, you will need a colonoscopy next. Pick one and get it done There are pros and cons to each of the screen- ing tests for colorectal cancer. You can discuss these with your primary care provider. Just be sure to follow through. Source: American Cancer Society Know the signs Tell your doctor if you have any of the following signs of colorectal cancer: • A change in bowel habits — such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of the stool — that lasts for more than a few days • A feeling like you need to have a bowel movement that isn’t relieved when you do have one • Rectal bleeding • Dark stools or blood in the stool • Cramping or abdominal pain • Weakness and fatigue • Weight loss for no known reason Get a free colon cancer screening kit March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and Lake Regional is offering free colorectal cancer screening kits to the community through March 31. The kits detect hidden blood in the stool, which can be a sign of colon cancer. There is no cost for the kit, lab work or results. To request a kit, email info@lakeregional.com or call 573-348-8222 . For more information, visit lakeregional.com/screeningkit .