Colon cancer screening
Many people would rather avoid screening tests used for colon cancer because they are embarrassed or concerned about discomfort. Do not let these worries stop you from getting the screening you need, because early detection can save lives. Discuss the following screening options with your doctor to decide the best method for you.
| Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) detects the presence of blood in the stool, which is a warning sign for colorectal cancer. Many factors can interfere with this procedure's accuracy, so follow-up testing is necessary to confirm positive results. We recommend FOBT be conducted once a year for people ages 50 to 80. |
| Flexible sigmoidoscopy uses a thin, lighted tube inserted 27 inches into your rectum—far enough to identify about 80 percent of cancers and polyps, which tend to accumulate toward the lower end of your bowel. We recommend this screen be conducted every five years for people ages 50 to 80. |
| Combination flexible sigmoidoscopy and FOBT may be used to screen for colon cancer. This approach includes an annual FOBT and a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years. |
| Total colon evaluation can be done using a colonoscopy, colon X-ray alone or a flexible sigmoidoscopy combined with a colon X-ray. A colonoscopy is similar to a flexible sigmoidoscopy, but allows your doctor to see your entire colon and rectum on an external monitor. A colon X-ray or a flexible sigmoidoscopy combined with a colon X-ray usually is conducted every five years, while a colonoscopy usually is every 10 years. |
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