You need a Flash Player in order to view some content. You are about to be directed to Macromedia Flash Player Download Center.

Click the CONTINUE button below to go to the Macromedia Flash Player Download Center, or the CANCEL button to return to the previous page.

NOTE: After installation is complete, please restart your browser.

Cancel
Continue
For U.S. Residents Only

Colorectal Cancer Signs & Symptoms

Could you or someone you care for have colorectal cancer? In this section you will find answers to the following questions:

Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?

You are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer if:

  • You are older than age 50.
  • You have a relative who had colorectal cancer before age 60, or you have two or more relatives who had colorectal cancer at any age.
  • You have had intestinal polyps (you are at an even greater risk of colorectal cancer if the polyps were large or if there were many of them).
  • Your diet is made up mostly of foods that are high in fat, especially from animal sources (you should eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods, and limit your intake of high-fat foods).
  • You are not exercising enough or are very overweight.
  • You smoke or have a history of alcoholism.

Back to top

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Symptoms of colorectal cancer sometimes occur late, when the disease is already far along. Even if you don’t experience symptoms, you should still undergo colorectal cancer screening.

If you do experience any of the following symptoms, be sure to talk to a doctor. And remember — having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have colorectal cancer.

  • Bleeding from the rectum or having blood in the stool
  • A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, that lasts for more than a few days
  • Feeling like you have to have a bowel movement even after you’ve already had one
  • Cramping or persistent (gnawing) stomach pain

Back to top

How do I get tested for colorectal cancer?

You should get screened for polyps and colorectal cancer as often as your doctor suggests. But in general, men and women at normal risk of colorectal cancer should do the following, starting at age 50:

  • Every year get a test called a fecal occult blood test, in which a stool sample is examined for blood (all positive tests should be followed by a colonoscopy).
  • Every 5 years get a test called a flexible sigmoidoscopy, in which a lighted tube is placed in the rectum so the doctor can look inside (all positive tests should be followed by a colonoscopy).
  • Every 10 years get a colonoscopy, in which a longer, flexible tube is placed through the rectum into the colon so the doctor can see the entire colon (much more than what can be seen with a sigmoidoscopy).
  • If your doctor determines you are at moderate or high risk of colorectal cancer, you may be advised to get tested more often.

Back to top

Title

ELOXATIN, used in combination with infusional 5-FU/LV, is indicated for

Clinical Safety Considerations

ELOXATIN should be administered under the supervision of a physician experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Appropriate management of therapy and complications is possible only when adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities are readily available.

Anaphylactic-like reactions to ELOXATIN have been reported and may occur within minutes of ELOXATIN administration. Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines have been employed to alleviate symptoms, and discontinuation of ELOXATIN therapy may be required.

-->