Mar 18, 2008 5:16 pm US/Eastern
Fast Facts: Colorectal Cancer Screening
What is the purpose of colorectal cancer screening?
The purpose of colorectal cancer screening is to prevent the development of colorectal cancer. Screening options include fecal occult blood test (FOBT), colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and barium enema.
What is the EZ-DETECT test?
EZ-DETECT is a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) designed to detect blood in the stool (often not seen by the naked eye). Such bleeding might be a sign of colorectal cancer.
Who is at risk for color cancer?
The risk of colorectal cancer grows as people get older. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 90 percent of those diagnosed are over age 50. In the low risk population, FOBT is offered to those over 50 as one alternative to screening. Testing is recommended earlier for those with potential risk factors such as a family history of colorectal cancer, history of precancerous polyps, inflammatory Bowel disease or cancer of the breast, ovaries or uterus.
How does this screening program work?
The program is based on a simple, take-home test called EZ Detect, manufactured by Biomerica and distributed in this free testing program thru Good Neighbor Pharmacy locations in South Florida.
Is the test difficult?
No. The test is user-friendly and requires no stool collection. It includes simple directions for preparing your Test Results Card. In addition, the
Mount Sinai Medical Center patient education line about colon cancer screening is available to answer your questions. The telephone number is
(888)-447-9997 or
www.msmc.com. Mount Sinai Hospital is a partner with CBS4 in this testing program
Should I take the test even if I have no symptoms?Yes. Most cancers and polyps cause no symptoms and no pain. Often, early cancers can be detected by testing for small quantities of blood in the stool.
How will I know if the test is positive?
Simply complete the test in the privacy of your home for the results. If you'd like them explained, or would like more information, mail the postage paid Test Results card to Mount Sinai Medical Center where your test results will be analyzed. You will be contacted within 2 weeks by Mount Sinai Medical Center for follow-up.
If my test is positive, does it mean I have cancer?A positive EZ Detect test means that there may be bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. There are many benign (non-life threatening) conditions such as polyps, hemorrhoids, rectal fissures or other colon lesions that can cause bleeding that may be detected by EZ Detect. Most studies show that only 5-10% of those with a positive test will be diagnosed with cancer. However, it is imperative that anyone with a positive test result see a physician as soon as possible to determine the cause of the bleeding.
Contact your physician or a physician at Mount Sinai Medical Center at (888)-447-9997 for an appointment to follow up on a positive result.
If my test is positive what should I do?When we alert you about a positive test, we suggest that you speak with your personal physician or you always have the option of following up with Mount Sinai Medical Center.
What are the chances of survival for someone with colorectal cancer?
If the cancer is found early and treated properly, more that 90 percent of patients survive five years or more. That's why taking this test is so important. For more information about treatment options go to
www.colonsurgeryinfo.com
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
