Our 24/7 cancer helpline provides information and answers for people dealing with cancer. We can connect you with trained cancer information specialists who will answer questions about a cancer diagnosis and provide guidance and a compassionate ear.
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Our highly trained specialists are available 24/7 via phone and on weekdays can assist through video calls and online chat. We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with essential services and resources at every step of their cancer journey. Ask us how you can get involved and support the fight against cancer. Some of the topics we can assist with include:
- Referrals to patient-related programs or resources
- Donations, website, or event-related assistance
- Tobacco-related topics
- Volunteer opportunities
- Cancer Information
For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor.
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- Can Colorectal Polyps and Cancer Be Found Early?
- American Cancer Society Guideline for Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests
- Insurance Coverage for Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Colorectal Cancer Signs and Symptoms
- Tests to Diagnose and Stage Colorectal Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer Stages
- Survival Rates for Colorectal Cancer
- Questions to Ask About Colorectal Cancer
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- Surgery for Colon Cancer
- Surgery for Rectal Cancer
- Ablation and Embolization for Colorectal Cancer
- Radiation Therapy for Colorectal Cancer
- Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer
- Targeted Therapy Drugs for Colorectal Cancer
- Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer
- Treatment of Colon Cancer, by Stage
- Treatment of Rectal Cancer, by Stage
- If You Have Colon or Rectal Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer Videos
- Colorectal Cancer Quiz
Text Alternative for 2018 Colorectal Cancer Screening Guideline for Men and Women at Average Risk
This guideline applies to men and women at average risk for colorectal cancer:
- Ages 45 to 75: Get screened. Several types of tests can be used. Talk to your doctor about which option is best for you.
- Ages 76-85: Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue screening. When deciding, take into account your own preferences, overall health, and past screening history.
- Age 85 +: People should no longer get colorectal cancer screening.
Testing Options:
- Stool-based tests look for signs of cancer in a person’s stool.
- Visual exams such as colonoscopy or CT colonography, look at the inside of the colon and rectum for polyps or cancer.
No matter which test you choose, the most important thing is to get tested. Visit cancer.org/colonguidelines to learn more.
All positive results on non-colonoscopy screening tests should be followed up with a timely colonoscopy to complete the screening process. Talk to your doctor about screening, and contact your insurance provider about insurance coverage for screening.
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