Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Colorectal Cancer Screening

• Based on my family and medical history, do I have any of the risk factors that would make me likely to develop colorectal cancer?
• Are my children or other relatives at higher risk for colorectal cancer?
• If I have any of the risk factors, are there any changes I can make to place me at less risk?
• What are the signs and symptoms that I should be aware of?
• Should I have any of the tests that would screen me for colorectal cancer?
• If so, what screening test(s) do you recommend for me?
• How do I prepare for these tests? Do I need to change my diet or my usual medication schedule?
• What is involved in the test? Will it be uncomfortable or painful? Is there any risk involved?
• When and from whom will I obtain my results?
• If I am to have a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, who will do the exam?
• Will I require someone with me on the day of the exam?
• How often will I be requiring a colonoscopy?