Excluding non melanoma skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in Bermuda as it is in the United States.
Screening Recommendation for Colorectal Cancer
For people at average risk for colorectal cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends starting regular screening at age 45. This can be done either with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool (a stool-based test), or with an exam that looks at the colon and rectum (a visual exam). Talk to your health care provider about which tests might be good options for you, and to your insurance provider about your coverage. No matter which test you choose, the most important thing is to get screened.
If you’re in good health, you should continue regular screening through age 75.
For people ages 76 through 85, talk with your health care provider about whether continuing to get screened is right for you. When deciding, take into account your own preferences, overall health, and past screening history.
People over 85 should no longer get colorectal cancer screening.
If you choose to be screened with a test other than colonoscopy, any abnormal test result needs to be followed up with a colonoscopy.
More Information for Colorectal Cancer
Prevention - There's no sure way to prevent colorectal cancer. But there are things you can do that might help lower your risk, such as changing the risk factors that you can control.
Podcast - talking about ways we can prevent colon cancer, risk factors including family history, and the importance of screening for early detection.
Early Detection - know the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer. Find out how colorectal cancer is tested for, diagnosed, and staged.
Colorectal Cancer Bermuda 2010-2019
