Minimize Your Cancer Risk You Can Screen Yourself For Colorectal Cancer At Home (NAPS)—Colorectal cancer strikes approximately 155,000 men and women in America each year andit is second only to lung cancerin frequency. Here are answers to common questions about colorectal cancer and what you can do to screen for this disease early enough so that you cantreat it successfully. Q. What causes colorectal cancer? A. Colorectal cancer begins in the lower portionsof the gastroin- An easy, at-home screening test can help you assess your risk for colorectal cancer. testinal tract. It is most common in people over the age of 40. Risk factors include a history of the dis- ease and of polyps, a diet low in colorectal cancer, testing should fiber and high in fat and a per- be performed moreoften or as the doctor recommends. Q. What are the early warn- that can be done at home? A. Yes. A stool blood test kit, sonal history of inflammatory bowel disease. Q.Is there a screening test ing signs? A. Oneofthe signs of colorectal such as EZ Detect™ by Biomerica, is a screening test for detecting cancer and other bowel trouble is blood in the stool. In the early hiddenblood in the stool. Q.Is the test difficult to stages, however, blood is often present in small amounts and not visible to the nakedeye. Q. Can other diseases cause similar symptoms? A. Yes. Gastrointestinal disor- use? A. No. The test does not re- quire handlingof the stool, no laboratory processing and no diet restrictions. Simply drop a test ders, such as ulcers, polyps, coli- pad in the toilet bowl after a tis, diverticulitis and fissures, can all produce bloodin thestool. bowel movement andif blood is detected, a color change will ap- ing cause of cancer deaths in the Q. How can I get the test? A. EZ Detect™ is available at Walgreens, Sav-on, Osco, CVS successfully if detected early. In more than 75 percent of patients, your pharmacist for EZ Detect™ pear within two minutes. Q.Is colorectal cancer treatable? A. While it is the second lead- Pharmacy and independent drug United States, it can be treated stores nationwide. You can ask it can be surgically corrected with no effect on lifestyle. Q. Whoshould be tested? A. The American Cancer Society recommends that men and Hidden Blood in the Stool test. It is also available on the EZ Detect™ women over the age of 40 screen for blood in the stool once a year. If a person has a family history of Web site: www.ezdetect.com. Type in the code number NAPS and you will receive the test at the promotional price of $7.99 which includes shipping, or call 1-800854-3002 for further assistance. ost Note to Editors: March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
