Orange County Health Department Florida Department of Health
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Phone: 407-858-1466
>General Health >Community Health >Chronic Disease >Cancer >Colorectal >FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How does colorectal cancer develop? Colorectal cancer begins in the large intestine often as abnormal growths, known as polyps, that form inside the colon or rectum.
Is there a test to detect colorectal cancer? Yes, it can be detected with a barium enema x-ray or a colonoscopy.
What is a barium enema x-ray? It is a special x-ray of the colon and rectum. The patient is given an enema with a white chalky liquid containing barium that lets the doctor see inside your colon and check for abnormalities.
What is a colonoscopy? Is a procedure that uses a flexible, lighted tube to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and the entire colon. During the procedure any polyps that are found can be removed.
Who should be screened for colorectal cancer? It is recommended that persons age 50 and over and anyone who is considered high risk, (having several risk factors) should be screened once a year.