Colon cancer: an update on screening

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and other medical authorities, the exact causes of CRC are unknown, but several factors have been linked to increased risk of CRC. The addition of each factor listed below increases the overall risk. * Age older than 50 years * Personal history of CRC, colorectal polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) * Family history of CRC, especially in any first-degree relative in whom CRC was diagnosed before age 60 years or in two or more first-degree relatives at any age1 * Race: African-Americans are at increased risk for upper CRC3,4 * Familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (Lynch Syndrome) * Sedentary lifestyle and a diet high in fat and calories and low in fiber (may increase risk).3,5,6 *WHAT ARE CURRENT SCREENING METHODS?