Colorectal Cancer Screening
“Screening saves lives.”
It is so much more than just a mantra repeated by posters and nonprofits – it is the literal truth. And just in case you are one of the 6% of Americans affected by colon cancer, catching it early will make a world of difference not only by greatly improving your outcome of survival, but also by allowing yourself a fighting chance to circumvent the pain and loss of quality of life that comes with this unfortunate disease.
Defend yourself, defend your diet, your enjoyment of family meals, the normality of your visits to the toilet with these preventative measures of regular screening.
Undergoing professional screening is key, because colon cancer is one of those things that doesn’t really show symptoms until it is well developed in the body. Symptoms include changes in bowel movements, blood in the stool, bloating, gas, weight loss, and fatigue.
What the various methods of screening for colorectal cancer have in common is that they are all methods of searching for things called “polyps.” Polyps are small growths that can appear in the colon. Some polyps, such as hyperplastic polyps are completely benign, while others have the potential to develop cancer.
Three Common Screening Methods:
The first and least invasive test is a “FOBT”, or a High-Sensitivity Fecal Occult Blood Test. Patients will be given a kit to take home, as this is a stool test. The sample will be returned to our office and checked for any faint traces of “heme”, which is a component of the blood protein hemoglobin. If the stool tests positive for heme, then this is a good indicator that further testing is needed, as both polyps and colorectal cancers can bleed.
The most well known method of screening is through a Colonoscopy. This is an involved procedure in which the entire rectum is examined. Any abnormal growths can also be removed with this procedure.
Though the suggestions may vary from patient to patient, preparation for a colonoscopy always begins at least 24 hours before the procedure. The general idea in preparing for a colonoscopy is to clean out your colon. This will allow the doctor optimal ability to view, detect, and remove abnormalities. A clear liquid diet of water, tea, and broth are standard the day before your procedure. Laxatives are also helpful. Most patients receive some form of sedation during the colonoscopy.
The third most common screening method is a Sigmoidoscopy. In this test, the doctor utilizes a flexible lighted tube with the tiniest of cameras for viewing and a tool for removing tissue. The rectum up through the sigmoid colon are examined with this tiny lens. A bit of air is pumped through the colon the expand it, allowing the doctor to see what she needs to see in order to address any possible issues. The lower colon must be free of any stool before undergoing sigmoidoscopy, but overall, this is a less involved procedure than a colonoscopy. Patients are not usually sedated for sigmoidoscopy.
After breast cancer, colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Though it can occur at any age, it is most common in patients over the age of 50. Studies have shown that receiving colonoscopy reduces colorectal cancer-related deaths by about 60 – 70%.
With regular screening tests, including colonoscopies, this cancer can not only be detected, it can also be prevented.
March is Colon Cancer Awareness month, so do yourself a favor: Stay one step ahead and schedule a screening today.