Marion County 1990-2000
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| Colorectal Cancer-continued |
Screening:
Beginning at age 50, the ACS states that both men and women should follow one of these screening options:
• Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT) plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
• Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• A colonoscopy every 10 years
• Double-contrast barium enema every five years
Approximately 90 percent of all colorectal cancer cases and deaths are believed to have been preventable. The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to have screening tests done on a regular basis after the age of 50. These tests can find non-cancerous tumors and polyps, which sometimes turn into cancer.
Fast Facts:
The ACS estimates, in Indiana, there will be 3,500 new colorectal cancer cases diagnosed and 1,300 deaths in 2003. Currently, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
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| Fecal occult blood tests can be obtained from the Marion County Health Department. Call 317-221-2094 for details. The Healthy People 2010 objective is to decrease the colorectal cancer deaths to 13.9 deaths per 100,000 population (DHHS, 2000). The incidence and mortality rate among all races and both genders is higher in Indiana than the national average. |