Colorectal Cancer Screening: Which Test Is Right For You?

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Which Test Is Right For You?

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Screening for colorectal cancer can help find and remove precancerous polyps or cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

There are several different types of colorectal cancer screening tests available. The best test for you depends on your age, health history, and preferences.

Types of Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests

• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end into your rectum and colon. The camera allows the doctor to see the inside of your colon and rectum and to remove any polyps or cancer that may be present. A colonoscopy is the most accurate colorectal cancer screening test, but it is also the most invasive.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end into your rectum and sigmoid colon. The sigmoid colon is the last part of your colon before it joins the rectum. A sigmoidoscopy allows the doctor to see the inside of your sigmoid colon and to remove any polyps or cancer that may be present. A sigmoidoscopy is less invasive than a colonoscopy, but it is not as accurate.
• Virtual colonoscopy: A virtual colonoscopy is a CT scan of your colon and rectum. The CT scan creates a 3D image of your colon and rectum, which allows the doctor to look for polyps or cancer. A virtual colonoscopy is less invasive than a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, but it is not as accurate.
• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): A FOBT is a test that checks for hidden blood in your stool. Blood in your stool can be a sign of colorectal cancer. An FOBT is a simple and inexpensive test, but it is not as accurate as a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or virtual colonoscopy.
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): A FIT is a test that checks for hidden blood in your stool. A FIT is more sensitive than an FOBT, but it is also more expensive.

Which Test Is Right For You?

The best colorectal cancer screening test for you depends on your age, health history, and preferences.

• If you are between the ages of 50 and 75 and are at average risk for colorectal cancer, you should get a colonoscopy every 10 years.
• If you are between the ages of 50 and 75 and are at high risk for colorectal cancer, you should get a colonoscopy every 5 years.
• If you are over the age of 75, you should talk to your doctor about whether you need to continue getting colorectal cancer screening tests.

If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you should start getting colorectal cancer screening tests earlier than the recommended age.

Talk to your doctor about which colorectal cancer screening test is right for you.## Colorectal Cancer Screening: Which Test Is Right For You?

Executive Summary

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Screening tests can help find colorectal cancer early, when it’s more likely to be curable. There are several different screening tests available, and the best one for you depends on your age, health, and preferences.

Introduction

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. It is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Screening tests can help find colorectal cancer early, when it’s more likely to be curable. There are several different screening tests available, and the best one for you depends on your age, health, and preferences.

FAQs

• What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

  • The most common symptom of colorectal cancer is rectal bleeding. Other symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, and fatigue.

• Who should get screened for colorectal cancer?

  • All adults over the age of 50 should get screened for colorectal cancer. People with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors may need to start screening earlier.

• What are the different types of colorectal cancer screening tests?

  • There are several different types of colorectal cancer screening tests available, including:
    • Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
    • Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
    • Sigmoidoscopy
    • Colonoscopy

Subtopics

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a simple test that checks for hidden blood in the stool. Blood in the stool can be a sign of colorectal cancer or other digestive problems. FOBT is a good screening test for people who are at average risk for colorectal cancer.

• Advantages:
  • Simple and easy to do
  • Can be done at home
  • Inexpensive
• Disadvantages:
  • Can miss some cases of colorectal cancer
  • Requires multiple tests to be accurate

Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is similar to the FOBT, but it is more sensitive and can detect smaller amounts of blood in the stool. FIT is a good screening test for people who are at average risk for colorectal cancer.

• Advantages:
  • More sensitive than FOBT
  • Can be done at home
  • Inexpensive
• Disadvantages:
  • Can still miss some cases of colorectal cancer
  • Requires multiple tests to be accurate

Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to see the inside of the rectum and sigmoid colon. A thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the rectum and advanced into the sigmoid colon. Sigmoidoscopy is a good screening test for people who are at average risk for colorectal cancer.

• Advantages:
  • Can see the inside of the rectum and sigmoid colon
  • Can remove polyps
• Disadvantages:
  • Can be uncomfortable
  • Requires sedation
  • Can miss some cases of colorectal cancer

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to see the inside of the entire colon. A thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the rectum and advanced through the entire colon. Colonoscopy is the most accurate screening test for colorectal cancer.

• Advantages:
  • Can see the inside of the entire colon
  • Can remove polyps
• Disadvantages:
  • Can be uncomfortable
  • Requires sedation
  • Can be expensive

Conclusion

There are several different colorectal cancer screening tests available, and the best one for you depends on your age, health, and preferences. Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you.

Keyword Tags

• Colorectal cancer screening
• Fecal occult blood test
• Fecal immunochemical test
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Colonoscopy