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COLON CANCER SCREENING
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Several factors can increase the risk of colorectal cancer including:
- Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Lifestyle factors:
- Diet high in fat and red meat and low in fiber
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Cigarette smoking
- Increasing age
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) syndrome
- Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC)
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
Effective colorectal cancer screening tests are available, making it possible to detect existing cancers at an early, treatable stage and even to prevent the development of colorectal cancer. Presently, there are four tests that are utilized for screening: fecal occult blood tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enema, and colonoscopy. Other tests are being studied for their suitability and may be available in the near future.
Fecal occult blood tests need to be performed yearly. If the test is positive, your doctor will likely recommend that the entire colon be examined with a colonoscopy.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy allows visual examination of the rectum and the lower portion of the colon. However, it does not examine the right side of the colon. This procedure is usually done every five to ten years, depending on individual circumstances. Often fecal occult blood testing is done in addition to sigmoidoscopy to improve the chances of detecting colorectal cancer.
Barium enema is a test that provides an x-ray picture of the rectum and the entire colon. This procedure is usually done every five years, depending on individual circumstances.
Colonoscopy allows visualization of the entire colon (as compared to flexible sigmoidoscopy). It can detect precancerous polyps as well as colorectal cancer. During the procedure, polyps that are discovered are often removed at the same time. This procedure is done at least every ten years, sometimes more frequently depending on individual circumstances.
Most patients need to be screened for colorectal beginning at age 50. However, your physician may recommend that you be screened at an earlier age depending on your risk factors for developing colorectal cancer.
Your primary care physician will be able to discuss each of the screening options with you so that together you can make a decision as to which test(s) is (are) best for you and also determine how frequently the test(s) needs to be done.
HEALTH TIP:Eating high fiber foods such as fruit and vegetables, reducing the amount of red meat and fat in your diet, and stopping smoking can decrease your chance of getting colorectal cancer. Preliminary studies suggest that folic acid supplements; calcium supplements; and aspirin, ibuprofen, and related drugs may reduce your risk also. However, the evidence is not yet strong enough to recommend that patients take these for this purpose.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Additional information about colorectal cancer screening can be found at:
American College of Gastroenterology
American Gastroenterological Association
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Page Last Updated June 26, 2008