How to Get Your Colon Cancer Screening Done?
Screening is conducted for the people who lack symptoms. The prime purpose of cancer screening is to detect cancer when treatment is still an option at its earliest stage. Nevertheless, the principal objective of colonoscopy screening is to identify abnormal growths, called polyps, before the polyps become cancerous. A screening program has to meet certain criteria, including the reduction of the deaths caused by the disease, in order to be supported by the medical community.
Colorectal cancer occurs in colon – a part of digestive tract. This tract is a hollow and twisted tube stretching from mouth to the anus. The system is a complex system that allows the body to break down, absorb food and eliminate waste.
In people over 50, polyps are commonly present, abnormal growths which come from the inner wall of the colon or rectum. Most polyps (non-cancerous) are benign. But in particular polyps known as adenomas, the majority of colorectal cancers develop. Adenomas followed by colon cancer can be prevented by detection and removal to.
Colorectal cancer is the 3rd largest cancer in the United States, with the 3rd largest cause of cancer death. In improved colonoscopy screening, both cancer prevention and the early detection of cancer can be more easily treated, the number of deaths resulting from the disease is getting reduced.
Recommendations for Screening
The American Cancer Society recommends that adults start screening at the age of 45, preferably using a test to prevent and detect cancer.
Tests that both prevent and detect cancer (preferred) include:
CT (CTC), also known as virtual colonoscopy, repeats every 5 years
Every 10 years, repeated colonoscopy
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, repeated every five years
Tests for detecting cancer include only:
Fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) or FEC (FIT) every year.
Stool DNA test for every three years
Screening for People with Average Risk
Colonoscopy for every ten years
FOBT or FIT each year. If the results are positive, colonoscopy is required.
sDNA every 1 to 3 years (colonoscopy if positive)
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 to 10 years, usually performed along with stool test every 1 to 3 years
People with Higher Risks
People with certain colon cancer risk factors may require earlier or more frequent colonoscopy screening (before age 50).
Family history of inherited syndrome of colorectal cancer such as family adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary colorectal no-polyposis (HNPCC).
Strong colorectal cancer or polyp family history. Usually this involves family members (parent, brother, sister, or child) with age 60 or younger.
Personal colorectal cancer or polyps history.
A long-term (chronic) personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn disease or UC).
See us at Digestive Disease Specialists Inc for colonoscopy in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. We take care of our patients for any digestive tract problems including acid reflux, GERD and more.
**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.
