Dr. Cloud's website contains information about his Colon and Rectal Surgery practice and pertinent information on diseases of the colon including cancer.
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Colon and Rectal Cancer Screening Test
Are you at risk?

The Cancer No One Talks About...
In the United States, more than 156,000 new cases of colon and rectal cancer occur each year. This cancer is responsible for over 59,000 deaths annually. The high mortality rate is attributed to a lack of knowledge about the importance of early detection. Most colon and rectal cancers take 8 to 10 years to develop and can exist for some time without symptoms. Appropriate screening allows the detection of pre-cancerous polyps and small cancers before symptoms develop. Patients whose cancers are discovered early have survival rates of 95%.

Are You at Risk?*
The following is a simple test which will help to identify your risk of developing colon and rectal cancer. All of the items below are risk factors for colon and rectal cancer. Write down any of the risk factors that apply to you as well as the points assigned to that risk factor:

Family History New research confirms that the genetic component is more significant than once thought. When we examine the genetic link, we consider only 1st degree relatives (parents & siblings). Has anyone in your family (mother, father, sister, brother) been diagnosed with:
Colon or Rectal Cancer
  1. One relative
  2. More than one relative
  3. None
10
15
1
Colon Polyps
  1. One relative
  2. More than one relative
  3. None
  4. Familial Polyposis
10
15
1
30
Colon cancer or polyps occurred in my family before age 40  
  1. Yes
  2. No
30
1
Personal History A person's personal history also plays a role in predicting future illnesses. Have you ever had::
Familial Polyposis 30
Colon Cancer 30
Colon Polyps 30
Rectal Cancer 30
Breast Cancer 3
Gynecolgic Cancer 3
Radiation Treatment to the Pelvis 3
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis) 20
Rectal Bleeding or Positive Stool Test for Occult Blood 5
Change in Bowel Habits Lasting a Month 3
None of the Above Risk Factors 1
Age Factors Age is one of the main risk factors in the development of colon and rectal cancer. Over 90% of these cancers occur in people 50 years of age and older.
Age
  1. Less than 40 years old
  2. 40 to 49 years old
  3. 50 years old or older
1
2
10
After you have completed the test, select the one answer above that gave you the most points and multiply that number by the age factor above. This will be you total point score:
Age Factor    x    Highest Risk Factor    =    Risk Score
Risk Score less than 5
5 to 29
greater than 29		 Average Risk
Moderate Risk
High Risk
Screening Recommendations
Average Risk Should reassess their risk annually and plan for an annual test for occult blood in the stool and digital rectal exam after age 40; Baseline Colonoscopy at age 50 and then every five years therafter.
Moderate Risk Are at significant risk for developing colon cancer in their lifetime and should have baseline Colonoscopy at age 40 (or ten years before the index family case) and then every five years therafter.
High Risk Should have Colonoscopy at least every three years.

 

*This is not a diagnostic test but a simple test to give you insight regarding your personal risk for developing colon and rectal cancer. It does not replace a consultation and examination by your personal physician. Anyone with symptoms should consult their personal physician for evaluation and recommendations.