LifeGuard (3 tests) LifeGuard detects hidden blood in the stool, an early warning signal of colorectal cancer, ulcers, hemmorrhoids, polyps, colitis, diverticulitis, fissures (wipe stool onto testing cloth, more accurate than EZ-DETECT)

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Colon Cancer FAQs

1. Why should I be screened for colorectal cancer?
2. Am I at risk for colorectal cancer?
3. What can I do to prevent or to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer?
4. What are some symptoms of colorectal cancer?
5. How can I talk to my doctor about colorectal cancer screening?
6. What are the American Cancer Society guidelines for colorectal cancer detection?
7. What do I need to know about home screening tests for colorectal cancer?

1) Why should I be screened for colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer, in both males and females, in the western world. The incidence is higher in African Americans, who are also more likely to die of the disease. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, causing nearly 60,000 deaths each year. It is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths among non-smokers. Despite these grim statistics, it is one of the easiest diseases to treat if caught and treated in its early stages. Screening can detect this killer in the earliest stages, giving you the best chance for a full recovery and cure. In fact, colorectal cancer that is detected in the early stages means a long-term survival rate of 95%.

2) Am I at risk for colorectal cancer?

Anyone over 50 years old is considered to have a 50% chance of developing at least one precancerous polyp (growth) in the colon. However, there are numerous cases in younger people each year. Your risk increases if:

• You have a family history of colorectal cancer. A person with one first degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with colon cancer is 2 to 3 times as likely to develop the cancer as someone who does not have an affected relative.
• You have a personal or family history of benign colorectal polyps
• You have a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• You have a personal or family history of ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer
• You are an African-American
• You have a high-risk lifestyle. These factors include: a diet high in fat and red meat, low in fruits and vegetables, high caloric intake, low levels of physical activity, and obesity. In addition, smoking and excessive alcohol intake may play a role in colon cancer development.

3) What can I do to prevent or to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer?

You can take steps that might help in the prevention of colorectal cancer:

• Take an active role in your own health: know the early warning signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer.
• Know your family health history; this will determine whether or not you should take earlier screening measures than the average of the population.
• Work with your health care provider to determine the best screening methods for you, then participate in a regular regimen of screening.
• Eat a well-balanced diet low in fat and red meat, and high in fruits, vegetables, and natural grains.
• Reduce your fat intake to less than 30% of calories. Increase your fiber intake to 20-35 grams per day.
• Get regular exercise.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.

4) What are some symptoms of colorectal cancer?

• Blood in the stool (either visible, or detected by a fecal occult blood test)
• A change in bowel habits
• Diarrhea, constipation or a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
• Abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, and/or cramps)
• Stools narrower than usual
• Weight loss for no reason
• Constant fatigue

If you are experiencing any of the colorectal cancer-related symptoms, you need to talk to your doctor about getting a diagnostic procedure called a colonoscopy. The American Cancer Society recommends that all people over 50 get a colonoscopy every ten years.

5) How can I talk to my doctor about colorectal cancer screening?

Whether your doctor suggests screening or not, take an active role in your health. Cancer prevention begins with you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Here are five questions to ask your doctor:

1. What kinds of screening options are available to me? If your doctor does not suggest fecal occult blood testing or a stool blood test, request it!
2. Based on my family history, should I receive earlier screening measures than the average person?
3. What types of foods should I be eating to reduce my chances of getting colon cancer?
4. How often should I be screened for colon cancer?
5. Does your office offer take-home Fecal Occult Blood Testing?

6) What are the American Cancer Society guidelines for colorectal cancer detection?

1) For people with an average risk, the Society recommends an annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT) along with an annual digital rectal exam at 50 years of age and ONE of two options:

• A flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
• A complete colonoscopy every 10 years, or if the FOBT is positive or if adenomatous polyps are discovered during the sigmoidoscopy OR a double contrast barium enema x-ray every 5 to 10 years, or if the FOBT is positive or if adenomatous polyps are discovered during the sigmoidoscopy.

2) People should begin colorectal cancer screening earlier and/or undergo screening more often if they have any of the following colorectal cancer risk factors (at ages and intervals recommended in the new guidelines):

• A personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
• A strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps (cancer or polyps in a first degree relative younger than 60 or in two first degree relatives of any age)
• A personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease
• Families with hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes (familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer)

7) What do I need to know about home screening tests for colorectal cancer?

You need to know that all home screening tests are NOT alike.

1. The “drop-in-the-toilet” (flushable reagent pads) home tests may simplify the sampling of stool compared to card-and–stick tests, but add the problem of testing the quality of the water before use. In some regions the water may contain substances that interfere with the test and cause false positive results. If the water quality check is unsatisfactory, you must wait 2 or 3 days before testing it again, then redo the test using one of the test tissues. If the water check is again positive, then you cannot complete the test since the toilet water is unsuitable for the test. In addition, all toilet cleaners, disinfectants or deodorizers must be completely eliminated from the toilet bowl and tank. Any trace of these chemicals can cause false positive, and therefore incorrect, results. It is largely for these reasons that drop-in-the-toilet tests are not widely used by most physicians, clinics, and hospitals.
   
   
2. Studies have shown that due to the water quality issue discussed above and others, doctors still primarily favor guaiac tests such as LifeGuard® over drop-in-the-toilet tests. 1, 2 LifeGuard® test wipes are the only FDA-cleared home screening tests that use the same tried and true guaiac technology that physicians and hospitals have been prescribing for years. LifeGuard® has incorporated this technology in an easy-to-use wiping format that requires no stool handling, no water quality checks, and no toilet preparation. The tests are easily developed and read within two minutes. For your peace of mind, quality controls are built into the device and your physician or health care provider is informed of the results of your testing.

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