Colon Cancer Screening: What Options Do We Have?
According to the research, colon cancer is the third most common non-skin cancer type among people in the United States. The American Cancer Society has estimated that 106,970 new cases of colon cancer and 46,050 new cases of rectal cancer may occur in 2023. People have become aware of this life-threatening cancer and have started colon cancer screening to prevent such problems.
Thanks to advanced medical science! Various types of colon cancer-detecting tests are available. Patients can choose any of them according to their problem type and after consulting with a specialist. Please read this article to learn what colon cancer is and how screening can help you to prevent it. Read on.
What is Colon Cancer?
As the name suggests, cancer occurs in the human body's colon - the large intestine. In this disease, an abnormal cell divides uncontrollably in the colon or rectum, leading to malignant tumors. Though colon polyps are common in people aged 50, a type of polyp called adenoma leads to cancer.
You may know that it is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Therefore, you should take your older parents to a gastroenterologist for colon cancer screening in OKC. According to the colon cancer screening guidelines, the colon cancer screening age is 45.
What are the Available Colon Cancer Screening Options?
First, let's see what options we have. The following are-
Colonoscopy - Once every ten years.
Sigmoidoscopy - Every five to ten years.
Computed tomography - In every five years.
Fecal occult blood test - Several times every year.
Fecal immunochemical test – Same as above.
Stool DNA tests - Once every three years.
Double-contrast barium enema - Every five to ten years.
Colonoscopy
In this screening method, doctors insert a long tube with a camera through the rectum. This tool helps to examine the inside of the whole colon. Because of the camera, doctors can see the inner portion clearly and detect whether there is a sign of a cancerous polyp.
In that case, colonoscopy experts use the colonoscope to remove the polyp and send it for biopsy. Since the professionals will give you sedation before starting the procedure, you will not experience pain during or after it. In a few cases, people may experience bowel tearing or slight bleeding after colon cancer screening.
Sigmoidoscopy
This tool is like a colonoscopy used to examine the sigmoid colon and rectum. Doctors first pump air into the colon to expand this body part and insert a tube with a lens through the anus.
During this process, doctors remove the suspicious polyps in the rectum and sigmoid colon for a biopsy. Generally, they don't give sedation to their patients for this test.
Who is at the Risk Zone of Colon Cancer?
People are aged 45 or more than that.
Those who have a previous history of colon cancer.
People with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Women who have a prior history of uterine or breast cancer.
People who smoke frequently, have unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle.
Save Yourself; Life is Priceless!
Before doing the colon cancer screening or other tests, you should consult your GI specialist to know which one is better for you. Various factors determine the type of screening, such as medical history, family history, a person’s age, the convenience of the test, the preparation, and the cost. If you live in OKC and want to get screened, contact us at Digestive Disease Specialists, INC.
**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.
