Colorectal cancer early detection/screening
Screening
- Tests and exams are used to find a disease, such as cancer, in people who do not have any symptoms
Early detection
- Using an approach that lets colorectal cancer get diagnosed earlier than otherwise might have occurred.
Can colorectal cancer be found early?
- Regular screening can often find colorectal cancer early, when it is most likely to be curable.
- In many cases, screening can also prevent colorectal cancer altogether.
- This is because some polyps, or growths, can be found and removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer.
What is colorectal cancer screening?
- Colorectal cancer screening is a way in which doctors check the colon and rectum for signs of cancer or growths (polyps) that might become cancer.
- It is done in people who have no symptoms and no reason to think they have cancer.
- The goal is to find and remove polyps before they become cancer, or to find cancer early, before it grows, spreads, or causes problems.
Colorectal cancer screening tests
- Several different tests can be used to screen for colorectal cancers.
- These tests can be divided into 2 broad groups:
. Tests that can find both colorectal polyps and cancer
. Tests that mainly find cancer
Tests that can find both colorectal polyps and cancer
- These tests look at the structure of the colon itself to find any abnormal areas.
- This is done either with a scope inserted into the rectum or with special imaging (x-ray) tests.
- Polyps found before they become cancerous can be removed, so these tests may prevent colorectal cancer.
Tests that can find both colorectal polyps and cancer
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Double-contrast barium enema
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
-A sigmoidoscope is inserted through the rectum into the sigmoid (lower) colon.
-A sigmoidoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing.
-It may also have a tool to remove polyps or tissue samples, which are checked under a microscope for signs of cancer.
-A colonoscope is inserted through the rectum into the colon.
-A colonoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing.
-It may also have a tool to remove polyps or tissue samples, which are checked under a microscope for signs of cancer.
Double-contrast barium enema
-A series of x-rays of the lower gastrointestinal tract.
-A liquid that contains barium (a silver-white metallic compound) is put into the rectum.
-The barium coats the lower gastrointestinal tract and x-rays are taken.
-This procedure is also called a lower GI series.
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
- A procedure that uses a series of x-rays called computed tomography to make a series of pictures of the colon.
- A computer puts the pictures together to create detailed images that may show polyps and anything else that seems unusual on the inside surface of the colon.
- A test to check stool (solid waste) for blood that can only be seen with a microscope.
- Small samples of stool are placed on special cards and returned to the doctor or laboratory for testing.
- A test to check stool (solid waste) for blood that can only be seen with a microscope.
- Small samples of stool are placed on special cards and returned to the doctor or laboratory for testing.
Fecal immunochemical test
- The fecal immunochemical test (FIT), also called an immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT), is a newer kind of test that also detects occult (hidden) blood in the stool.
- This test reacts to part of the human hemoglobin protein, which is found in red blood cells.
- The FIT is done essentially the same way as the FOBT, but some people may find it easier to use because there are no drug or dietary restrictions (vitamins or foods do not affect the FIT) and sample collection may take less effort.
Who should be screened for colorectal cancer?
To find polyps or early colorectal cancer:
- People in their 50s and older should be screened.
- People who are at higher-than-average risk of colorectal cancer should talk with their doctor about whether to have screening tests before age 50, what tests to have, the benefits and risks of each test, and how often to schedule appointments.
Most people can stop being screened around the age of 75, or at the latest 85
How often should I be screened?
- That depends on your risk of colorectal cancer and which test you have.
- Most people can choose 1 of these schedules:
. Colonoscopy every 10 years
. Computed tomography (CTC) every 5 years
. Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
. Barium enema every 5 years
. Stool testing for blood once a year
- People who have a high risk of colon cancer often need to be tested more often and should have a colonoscopy
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