Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer screening is valuable because colon cancer can be prevented, and treated, if it is diagnosed at an early stage. Tests used for colon cancer screening are universally acknowledged for their accuracy in pointing-out the presence, likelihood or the stage of colon cancer in a patient. It should be understood that screening for colon cancer is different from testing for colon cancer. Screening is often done when there is no underlying suspicion of colon cancer, unlike other tests that are often conducted upon pre-diagnostic indications or as a part of the treatment.

Colon Cancer Screening Basics

People who have any of the conditions known to induce a higher risk of developing colon cancer should undertake regular colon cancer screening as a preventative, and possibly life-saving measure. This is why screening for colon cancer is often included as a part of regular annual medical check-up plans for those above the age of 50, or with a family history of colon cancer. The most common screening tests involve:

• Fecal occult blood test or FOBT—an annual test
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy—conducted every 4/5 years
• Double-contrast barium enema—conducted every 5 years
• Colonoscopy—conducted every 8/10 years.
Basic Screening—Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

The early stages of colorectal cancer or colon cancer damages the blood vessels found along the inner lining of the colon. This also causes some level of bleeding when passing stools. However, the presence of bloods isn’t always obvious. Thus, FOBT is recommended, as it is an undemanding method of confirming if colon cancer has initiated. The test is rather simple wherein a sample of the patient’s stool is placed on a special type of paper. When subjected to certain chemicals, the paper immediately indicates whether any blood is present in the stools. This is always the first of the screening tests. If there is any indication towards colonic cancer, digital rectal examination is likely to be pursued.

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

Often conducted as a part of routine physical examinations, a digital rectal examination is an invasive, physical procedure. The attending medical professional inserts a medically prepped finger into the lower part of the patient’s rectum. This is a slightly uncomfortable way of checking for colonic and rectal abnormalities. However, this is a recommended screening method for discovering pre-cancerous polyps. There is also a certain degree of uncertainty, as all cancerous growths cannot be physically accessed, like those far away from the anus.

Colonoscopy

This is a visual examination of the colon. The attending physician inserts a special, tube-like instrument that acts like an image-capturing device. The images are directly displayed on an attached screen. The physician can easily see the state of the rectal and colon lining on the screen. This is perhaps the most commonly used colon cancer screening method since it provides a firsthand account of the overall health of the colon.

Sigmoidoscopy

This is like a specialized form of endoscopy that is used to screen the sigmoid colon. Sigmoidoscopy is usually pursued when the presence of polyps is almost confirmed. Along with sigmoidoscopy, the attending physician might undertake polypectomy excision of the polyps. Sigmoidoscopy can be pursued in the form of Flexible Sigmoidoscopy or Rigid Sigmoidoscopy. These two approaches vary in the kind of tube that is inserted to access the sigmoid colon. Rigid sigmoidoscopy is regarded as the more accurate method for accessing the tumor.

Barium Enema

Barium enema is conducted as a screening procedure to provide better results for tests such as x-rays. The barium is inserted in a typical manner, and it helps to define the colon and rectum on the x-ray reports. This is an easy way to highlight the polyps. Barium is used because it is heavy and helps to absorb the x-rays, making it easier to differentiate abnormalities from healthy tissue.

While colon cancer screening is recommended as a preemptive measure for keeping colon cancer at bay, many people also feel reassured using proven, colon cleansing products regularly to ensure that the colon is always healthy, and free from toxins and built up waste.