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Can I get screened?
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Because colorectal cancer is so treatable when caught early, routine screening is vitally important. Colorectal screening should begin at age 50. Colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years; flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5; and the fecal occult blood test annually. For patients with a family history of colon cancer, or those otherwise considered at high risk, routine screening should begin at age 40. Like a routine mammography, Pap smear, or prostate screening, the following three tests should be considered an integral part of healthcare maintenance:
Colonoscopy - The entire length of the colon can be viewed during this important screening test. Prior to the procedure, patients must undergo an at-home colon-cleansing regimen. During colonoscopy, a lighted hollow tube (the colonoscope) is inserted through the anus and guided through the colon. The physician looks for any areas of inflammation, irritation, or obstruction. If any polyps are discovered, they can be removed during the procedure. Polyps will be analyzed by a pathologist to determine if cancer is present. Recently, the advent of a test known as a "Virtual Colonoscopy" has been widely heralded in the media. This test uses a CT scanner to create three-dimensional views of the colon, eliminating the need for a colonoscope. However, there is not enough data yet on this test to know if it can detect cancers at the same rate as conventional colonoscopy, so it's recommended that patients continue to undergo conventional colonoscopy.
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Flexible Sigmoidoscopy - This test enables the physician to inspect the rectum and lower portion of the colon. A thin, flexible, lighted tube is inserted through the anus into the rectum and colon. If any polyps are discovered in the lower colon, patients will need to undergo colonoscopy so that the polyps can be removed, and also so that the upper portion of the colon can be viewed. As with colonoscopy, patients must undergo a preparatory colon-cleansing regimen.
Fecal Occult Blood Test - This simple test checks for blood in the stool, a possible sign of colorectal cancer. Patients are asked to follow a special diet for several days, after which stool specimens are collected on a special card and returned to the physician's office for evaluation.
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