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5
Cancer treatment
You can
look good,
feel better
Some people, even those
managing their cancer treatment
and recovery, feel better when
they’re looking their best. If that’s
you, check out “Look Good...Feel
Better,” a free program sponsored
in part by the American Cancer
Society.
Women with cancer can find
makeup, skin care and nail
care ideas, as well as tips on
dealing with hair loss during
chemotherapy and radiation
treatments.
Similar services are available for
teens and men.
A
s we age, we often notice a few more aches, pains and
routine health problems that are usually minor. But
sometimes a serious condition can arise, even when
there’s no outward sign that anything is wrong.
at’s often the case with colorectal cancer,
the second leading cause of cancer death in
the United States, according to the National
Cancer Institute. at’s why tests to screen
for this disease can be a lifesaver.
Screening exams can nd colorectal cancer
early, when it’s easier to treat. e tests can
also spot polyps—growths inside the colon
that may become cancer—so that they can
be removed before they cause problems.
Screening for most men and women should
begin at age 50. Several tests are oered.
e U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
endorses these three:
1
Colonoscopy:
e rectum and the
entire colon are examined with a thin,
lighted instrument inserted through the
anus. If problem tissues are found, they are
removed and later tested for cancer.
e American College of Gastroenterology
says this test is the most eective for
spotting colorectal cancer. But there
are drawbacks. First, the bowel must be
thoroughly cleaned before the test. at
normally involves a clear liquid diet, a
laxative or an enema.
Just before the exam, most patients take a
sedative to help them relax and sleep.
For this reason, driving is not allowed after
the test.
2
Sigmoidoscopy:
is test is similar
to colonoscopy, but only the rectum
and lower part of the colon are examined.
Sedatives aren’t usually needed, and bowel
preparation is less extensive.
If polyps are found, they can be removed.
But since abnormal tissues in the upper
part of the colon will be missed, a full
colonoscopy may also be needed.
3
Fecal occult blood test:
is test nds
hidden blood in a stool sample, which
may indicate polyps or cancer. No bowel
preparation is required.
e test is easy to do, but it can miss
many polyps and some cancers. Also, if
irregularities are found, a colonoscopy may
be needed.
Ask your doctor which test is right for you
and how often you should have it.
NEED MORE INFO?
For more information, call
800-395-5665
or go to
www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org
.
Colorectal cancer screening
tests are private and usually
painless. Most patients sleep
through a colonoscopy.