Gastrointestinal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer Screening Program

Colorectal Cancer Facts

There are more than 130,000 new cases of colorectal cancer discovered each year in the United States. The disease affects men and women with almost equal frequency. The fact that many people avoid any discussion or examination of the colorectal area at least partly explains why the outlook for this disease is poor. Presently, more than 50 percent of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer will die from the disease within five years, even though we attempt to cure it with surgery.

After a great deal of study into this serious health problem, your Scott & White physicians have devised a screening program which is based on the recommendations of the American Cancer Society as well as our own extensive experience in this area. Our screening program is designed to detect polyps and cancer before spread has occurred too far - before any symptoms have appeared.

We recommend that all persons with the following histories should be entered into the screening program.

Age Risk

The risk of colorectal cancer simply increases with age. Anyone over the age of 50 may be entered into the Scott & White colorectal screening program. If you wish to be entered on the basis of age risk only (and you do not fit into any of the categories listed) discuss your wishes with your doctor.

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Increased Risk

• Children, parents, brothers or sisters of persons who have had colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous polyps
• Anyone who has had breast cancer or cancer of the female reproductive system
• Anyone who has had a precancerous colon polyp
• Anyone who has had colorectal cancer
• Anyone who has had long standing inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's colitis)

Your Scott & White physician can provide you with additional medical information needed and see that you are entered into the program.

Tests and Reports

You and your Scott & White physician will be informed at proper time intervals of tests which are necessary.

The testing includes stool tests for tiny amounts of blood not visible to the human eye. These tests can be handled through the mail and are usually obtained on an annual basis. However, stool testing alone is not adequate protection.

There are several additional tests of the colorectal area that may also be utilized - flexible proctosigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy and barium X-rays. The tests you receive will depend on your medical history and risk factors.

Costs

A small charge will be made for processing of the stool tests and posting these on your medical record. The endoscopic or X-ray tests will carry the usual charges. In most cases, stool tests are done annually and endoscopic or x-ray tests every three to five years.

Objective

Your Scott & White physicians feel that a careful colorectal screening program will allow us to diagnose the disease earlier and to significantly increase the cure rate for colorectal cancer.

Information

For further information, please contact your Scott & White physician or Linda Fikes, L.V.N., Nurse Coordinator, Desk 3B, Endoscopy at 254-724-3646, 254-724-2777 or 254-724-CRSP.

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