Screening Tests for Colorectal Cancer
Regular tests can help find colorectal cancer early, before it spreads and becomes harder to treat.
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum, the lower part of your digestive system. Most cases begin as polyps, which are small growths inside the colon or rectum. Colon polyps are very common, and most of them do not turn into cancer. Polyps are easily found with screening tests, and they may be removed during these tests.
Colorectal cancer usually does not cause symptoms at first. But regular tests can help find it early, before it spreads and becomes harder to treat. Experts recommend routine tests for colon cancer for people starting at age 50, and earlier for those with a higher risk of getting colon cancer. Talk with your doctor about when you should begin testing and which tests you need.
The following guidelines are for people age 50 and over who are not at high risk for colorectal cancer. You should have at least one of the following tests as directed by your doctor.
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) each year
- Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
- Barium enema every 5 years
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
Screening Tests for Colon Cancer
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT). This tests a small sample of stool for signs of blood, which may be the only symptom of colon cancer. But other things can also cause blood in the stool. If this test is positive you may need to have a colonoscopy.
- Sigmoidoscopy. This test lets your doctor look at the lining of your rectum and the lowest part of your colon with a lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope. It can also be used to remove polyps or get a tissue sample (biopsy). This test cannot find cancers or polyps that are in much of your colon.
- Barium enema. Also called a lower gastrointestinal (GI) exam, this test uses X-rays to look at the inside of the rectum and colon. To make the intestine visible, a contrast material called barium is inserted into the anus through a tube. The barium blocks X-rays, causing the colon (and any growths like cancer or polyps) to show up clearly on an X-ray picture.
- Colonoscopy. This test allows your doctor to look at the lining of your rectum and your entire colon through a thin, flexible tool called a colonoscope. It can also be used to remove growths or get a tissue sample (biopsy).
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.