What is colon cancer?

Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer affects both men and women and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Risk increases with age. More than 90 percent of colon cancer cases occur in people 50 years and older. A family history of colon cancer also increases this risk. Regular colon screening can prevent up to 50 percent of all colon cancer deaths.

What are the risk factors for colon cancer?

The first risk factor for colorectal cancer is age; colorectal cancer rarely occurs before age 50. Other than age, you may be at a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer if you have any of following:

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• A personal or family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer

Genetic syndromes, like familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)

What are colon cancer screening options?

There are several screening options, including tests that can be done at home. Some of these tests can help doctors find growths (polyps) that can be removed before they turn into cancer.

We recommend all patients turning ages, 50 – 75 call and schedule a screening appointment or ask about screening at their next visit. Depending on your medical and family history, the provider may recommend a simple stool test to be completed each year, or a colonoscopy every 5-10 years. EIHC care coordinators are available to assist you with scheduling appointment, barriers to care or answer your questions.

All patients who complete a colorectal cancer screening will receive a $10 HyVee gift card.

Call us at 319.730.7300 to schedule your screening.