The Cancer Care Center

Early Colorectal Screening

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States. However, with regular screenings, the cancer can be caught early and treated.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:

blood in the stool
change in bowel habits
stools that are narrower than usual
stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness or cramps)
vomiting
diarrhea
constipation
gas pains
unexplained weight gain
rectal bleeding
lethargy (feeling of tiredness)

If you experience these symptoms for more than two weeks, you should see your doctor. However, early-stage colorectal cancer often has no symptoms at all, which makes it even more important to schedule regular screenings.

If you are 50, or have a family history, you should be screened for colorectal cancer

The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, so if you are 50 years or older, it is a good idea to get screened. In addition, people who meet the following criteria should get screened even earlier:

personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease
personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps or cancer of the ovaries, endometriosis or breast

Screenings include some simple tests that may be uncomfortable, but are not painful. Contact St. Anthony's Cancer Care Center to schedule your colorectal screening today.

For information about St. Anthony's Cancer Care Center - St. Louis, please call 314-ANTHONY (268-4669) or 800-554-9550 or visit find a physician online.

At St. Anthony's, our vision is to be the area's premier health care organization
— and your first choice for health care services.