The American Cancer Society recommends that, beginning at age 50, both men and women begin having regular colon cancer screening exams. These simple tests make it easier to detect polyps and early cancers that can be treated before symptoms develop. Regular screenings may prevent suffering and decrease deaths caused by colorectal cancer. This type of testing is as effective as breast cancer screening in saving lives.
There are five possible screening options.
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Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): Take-home stool tests. Most authorities
recommend that this be done every 1 to 2 years.
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Flexible sigmoidoscopy exam: Uses a thin, flexible scope to look at approximately the lower one-third of your colon. This is recommended every 5 years.
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Yearly FOBT plus sigmoidoscopy every 5 years: This combination is preferred to either of the previously two tests alone.
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Double-contrast barium enema: Every 5 years.
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Colonoscopy: Uses a thin, flexible scope to look at the entire colon. It is more thorough than a sigmoidoscopy, but requires sedation, carries slightly more risk, and is more expensive. Recommended every 10 years. If any of the above screening options show positive results, a colonoscopy will be needed.
People with certain diseases (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), or a family history of colon cancer, or people who are experiencing symptoms may need earlier and more frequent testing.
