Screening For Colon Cancer

Apr 27

Polyps and early tumors in the large intestine may be detected with colon cancer screening. This sort of examination may detect issues that can be addressed before cancer begins or spreads. Colorectal screenings may help lower the risk of mortality and complications.

TESTS FOR SCREENING

Colon cancer may be detected in a variety of methods.

Stool examination:

Tiny quantities of bleeding may be caused by polyps in the colon and small malignancies that are not visible to the naked eye. Blood, on the other hand, is often discovered in the feces.
This procedure looks for blood in your feces.
The fecal occult blood test is the most often utilized test (FOBT). The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and the stool DNA test are two more assays (sDNA).

Sigmoidoscopy:

A little flexible scope is used to observe the bottom section of your colon during this procedure. Because the test only looks at the final third of the large intestine (colon), certain tumors that are higher in the large intestine may go undetected.
A stool test and a sigmoidoscopy may be used simultaneously.

Colonoscopy:

A colonoscopy is similar to a sigmoidoscopy, except it allows you to see the whole colon.
The steps for bowel cleaning will be given to you by your doctor. Bowel preparation is the term for this.
During a colonoscopy, you will be given medication to calm and sleep you.
CT scans are sometimes utilized instead of a traditional colonoscopy. A virtual colonoscopy is what it's called.

Other tests include:

Capsule endoscopy is ingesting a little camera the size of a pill that records a video of the interior of your intestines. Because the approach is still being researched, it is not suggested for routine screening at this time.

SCREENING FOR PEOPLE AT MEDIUM RISK

There is insufficient data to determine which screening approach is the most effective. However, a colonoscopy is the most complete procedure. Consult your healthcare physician to determine which test is best for you.

Beginning at the age of 45, all individuals should get a colon cancer screening test.

Screening methods for persons with a low risk of colon cancer include:

Starting at the age of45, a colonoscopy every ten years is recommended, as is a gFOBT or FIT every year (colonoscopy is needed if results are positive)
Every 1 to 3 years, sDNA-FIT (colonoscopy is needed if results are positive)
Every 5 or 10 years, a flexible sigmoidoscopy is performed, as well as stool testing with FIT every year.
Every 5 years, get a CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy).

SCREENING FOR PEOPLE AT HIGHER RISK

People with particular risk factors for colon cancer may need to be tested sooner (before the age of 45) or more often.

The following are some of the most frequent risk factors:

A family history of colorectal cancer disorders passed down down the generations, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
A history of colorectal cancer or polyps in the family. Close relatives (parent, sibling, or kid) who got these illnesses before the age of 60 are frequently included.
Having had colorectal cancer or polyps in the past.
Irritable bowel illness that has been present for a long time (chronic) (for example, ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease).

Colonoscopy is more likely to be used for screening these populations.

If you would like more information on colon cancer screening, contact:

Colon & Rectal Surgical Specialists of New York

1100 Franklin Ave #203, Garden City, NY 11530

(516) 248-2422