Key Points

• Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum become abnormal and divide without control, forming a mass called a tumor.
• The exact causes of colorectal cancer are not known. However, studies show that certain factors increase a person's chance of developing colorectal cancer .
• Health care providers may suggest one or more tests for colorectal cancer screening, including a fecal occult blood test (FOBT); sigmoidoscopy; regular, or standard, colonoscopy; virtual colonoscopy; double contrast barium enema (DCBE); or digital rectal exam (DRE).
• People should talk with their health care provider about when to begin screening for colorectal cancer, what tests to have, the benefits and risks (potential harms) of each test, and how often to schedule appointments.
• New methods, such as the genetic testing of stool samples, to screen for colorectal cancer are under study.

For colonoscopy appointments please call 01113333877