Which test should I have to screen for colorectal cancer?
Introduction Screening tests detect specific diseases before symptoms appear. Several tests can screen for colorectal cancer. Each test has its pros and cons. This information will help you understand your choices, whether you share in the decision-making process or rely on your doctor’s recommendation. Key points in making your decision • Regular screening can greatly decrease your risk of dying from colorectal cancer. • Regular screening is recommended for everyone age 50 and older. • Some screening tests look for colon polyps. Most cases of colorectal cancer begin as polyps. When polyps are found, they can be removed before they become cancer or while the cancer is in its early stages. • Colorectal cancer rarely causes symptoms at the beginning. Symptoms such as bleeding from the rectum, a change in bowel habits, and weight loss usually occur later, when the cancer is harder to treat. • You may need to begin screening at age 40 or earlier and be tested more often if you or members o
Several tests are available to screen for colorectal cancer: Stool tests. These include: A fecal occult blood test (FOBT), every year.A fecal immunochemical test (FIT), every year.A stool DNA test (sDNA). Experts have not yet set guidelines for how often this test should be done.2Barium enema, usually done every 5 years.Flexible sigmoidoscopy, usually done every 5 years.A stool test each year and a flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.Colonoscopy, usually done every 10 years.Computed tomographic colonography (CTC), also known as virtual colonoscopy, possibly done every 5 years. Experts have not yet set guidelines for how often this test should be done.2 Flexible sigmoidoscopy (also called a sigmoidoscopy or shortened to “flex sig”) and colonoscopy are done in doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals. A barium enema is done in a hospital or outpatient radiology department. Complications from barium enema, colonoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy include damage to or puncture of the colon. These co
Screening tests detect specific diseases before symptoms appear. Several tests can screen for colorectal cancer. Each test has its pros and cons. This information will help you understand your choices, whether you share in the decision-making process or rely on your doctor’s recommendation. Key points in making your decision • Regular screening can greatly decrease your risk of dying from colorectal cancer. • Regular screening is recommended for everyone age 50 and older. • Some screening tests look for colon polyps. Most cases of colorectal cancer begin as polyps. When polyps are found, they can be removed before they become cancer or while the cancer is in its early stages. • Colorectal cancer rarely causes symptoms at the beginning. Symptoms such as bleeding from the rectum, a change in bowel habits, and weight loss usually occur later, when the cancer is harder to treat. • You may need to begin screening at age 40 or earlier and be tested more often if you or members of your family
Introduction Screening tests detect specific diseases before symptoms appear. Several tests can screen for colorectal cancer. Each test has its pros and cons. This information will help you understand your choices, whether you share in the decision-making process or rely on your doctor’s recommendation.
