Testing Saves Lives
for colon cancer & other gastrointestinal disorders.
Learn more about screening for colon cancer & other gastrointestinal disorders.
Why Screen?
Screening for colon cancer and other gastrointestinal disorders is one of the smartest decisions you can make. In the US, approximately 60-70 million people are affected by all digestive diseases. These digestive diseases also result in approximately 250,000 deaths each year.1 Screening and early detection are key to preventing or successfuly treating colon cancer and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Screening for Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
Have You Screened Yet?
You have several reliable options when it comes to screening for colorectal cancer. See the chart below for an overview of each screening method and decide which is best for you. The important thing is that you make sure you get screened.
1 https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/digestive-diseases
2 https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect.html
3 https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/colon-cancer/colonoscopy-cost
4 https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/colorectal-cancer-screening-choosing-the-right-test/
5 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371758#:~:text=Diverticula%20usually%20develop%20when%20naturally, and%20in%20some%20cases%2C%20infection
6 https://www.verywellhealth.com/facts-about-ulcerative-colitis-5545722
7 https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/colitis
8 https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/colon-polyps/definition-facts
9 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-polyps/symptoms-causes/syc-20352875
DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. The information provided here is for educational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Reese Pharmaceutical Company assumes no responsibility for how this material is used. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill.
Screening for Other Gastrointestinal Diseases
Learn more about some of the other gastrointestinal issues that ColoTest® can help screen for:
Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when small pouches, or sacs, form and push outward through weak spots in the wall of the colon. Diverticulitis can be treated with high fiber foods, medicines, or surgery to remove part of the colon, called a colectomy.
Diverticulitis can cause consistent pain, typically in the lower left side of the abdomen. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, fever, tenderness in the abdomen, constipation, and less commonly, diarrhea.5
Colitis is the swelling of the large intestine. While most often the cause of colitis is not known, some potential causes include food poisoning, virus or parasite caused infections, Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis.
Most people in the United States are diagnosed with colitis in their 20s and 30s.6
Symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating, bloody stool, the constant urge to have a bowel movement, dehydration, diarrhea, and fever.7
Polyps are growths on the lining of the colon and rectum. Anywhere from 15 to 40 percent of adults may have polyps. Although most polyps are benign, there is no foolproof way of predicting whether a polyp is or will become cancerous. Because of this, the removal of all polyps is recommended to help prevent colon cancer.8
Most often, colon polyps do not cause any symptoms, one of the many reasons that colon screening is so important. Some individuals with polyps may experience abdominal cramping and pain, a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, or a change in stool color.9
Since invisible blood can be a symptom of multiple gastrointestinal diseases, it is very important that you contact your doctor if invisible blood is found in your stool.
Screening with ColoTest®
Learn more about ColoTest® as a screening method for colon cancer and other digestive disorders including diverticulitis, colitis, and polyps.
Although blood in your stool can be a sign of colorectal cancer, there are also several other gastrointestinal diseases it could be. These include diverticulitis, colitis and polyps. Early detection and the subsequent removal of polyps in the form of a colonoscopy may prevent polyps from becoming cancerous or lead to immediate treatment if the cancer has already formed.
Screening FAQs
Have a question about screening for colon cancer and other digestive disorders? Below are answers to some of our most frequently asked screening questions.
- Screening helps find cancer early when it is most treatable.
- Screening finds polyps in the colon which may be or become cancerous. If polyps are found, they should be removed.
- Many people are unaware of how serious and common colon cancer is.
- Lack of insurance or lack of insurance coverage for a person’s preferred screening method.
- Nerves about the screening process or the results.
- A doctor has not recommended screening.
Each screening method has its own recommended timeframe. Family health history and results of your previous screenings can also affect your doctor’s recommendation as to when you should screen next. Talk with your pharmacist or physician to determine your optimal screening schedule.
ColoTest® is a FIT test. FIT tests are recommended as an annual screening method for colon cancer. To learn more about ColoTest® click here >>
According to the American Cancer Society, signs of colorectal cancer in women and men are:
- A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days
- A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by having one
- Rectal bleeding with bright red blood
- Blood in the stool, which might make it look dark brown or black
- Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain
- Weakness and fatigue
- Losing weight without trying
Please contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Pain, which may be constant and persist for several days. The lower left side of the abdomen is the usual site of the pain. Sometimes, however, the right side of the abdomen is more painful, especially in individuals of Asian descent.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal tenderness
- Constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea
Please contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Bloody stool
- Constant urge to have a bowel movement
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Fever
Please contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
- Change in bowel habits
- Change in stool color
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Pain
- Rectal bleeding
Please contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
1 https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/digestive-diseases
2 https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect.html
3 https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/colon-cancer/colonoscopy-cost
4 https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/colorectal-cancer-screening-choosing-the-right-test/
5 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371758#:~:text=Diverticula%20usually%20develop%20when%20naturally, and%20in%20some%20cases%2C%20infection
6 https://www.verywellhealth.com/facts-about-ulcerative-colitis-5545722
7 https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/colitis
8 https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/colon-polyps/definition-facts
9 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-polyps/symptoms-causes/syc-20352875
DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. The information provided here is for educational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Reese Pharmaceutical Company assumes no responsibility for how this material is used. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill.
