Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer, also called colon and rectum cancer is one of the types of cancer that can be screened for. A screening test can find cancer in the colon or rectum even before there are any symptoms. There are many different screening tests health professionals often use to screen for colorectal cancer. Some of these tests are the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), the sigmoidoscopy, the colonoscopy, and the double contrast barium enema (DCBE). Each of these tests have their own recommendations and schedules. Each test has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some tests find cancer early while others can prevent cancer by removing polyps.
Talk to your
doctor about when you should be screened and what test is right for you. For most people at average-risk of colorectal cancer, regular screening is recommended beginning at age 50.
Screening for colorectal cancer can find cancer, polyps,
lesions, and other conditions. If a screening test reveals a problem, diagnosis and treatment can occur soon after. When colorectal cancer is found early, treatment usually is improved because the cancer has not had time to spread.
A
fecal immunochemical test (FIT) checks for hidden blood in the stool. It is a newer screening option. It is an easy to use test that can be done at home. Stool samples are sent through the mail. The FIT is type of fecal occult blood test (FOBT). There are other types of FOBT, but the FIT test is recommended for use by the Iowa Department of Public Health.
If you are a medical provider, click
here and
here for more information about the FIT test and why it is a good choice.
A sigmoidoscopy (sig-MOY-DOS-koh-pee)
checks for precancerous and cancerous growths in the rectum and lower colon. A sigmoidoscope is used. A sigmoidoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument that has a light and lens for viewing. It may also be used to take tissue samples from the lower colon. For an illustration of what this test looks like, click here.
A
colonoscopy (KOH-luh-NOS-koh-pee) is an examination of the
whole colon and the rectum. A colonoscope is used. A colonoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument that has a light and a lens for viewing. It may also be used to take tissue samples from the colon.
For an illustration of what this test looks like, click here.
Double contrast barium enema (DCBE) is a test where a series of x-rays are taken of the entire colon and rectum. These x-rays are taken after the patient is given an enema with a barium solution and air has been let into the colon. The barium and air help outline the colon and rectum on the x-rays. Research has shown that this test may miss small polyps. It cannot find as many polyps as a standard colonoscopy.
If something unusual like a polyp is found by a screening test, follow-up tests may be needed.
For general information on colon and rectum cancer, click
here and visit the
National Cancer Institute and the
American Cancer Society.
Other Colorectal Cancer Screening Resources:
En Español:
Information on the colorectal cancer screening options other than the FIT was adapted from the
National Cancer Institute. Information about the FIT was adapted from the Iowa Department of Public Health.