Colorectal Cancer Screening

Posted: March 1, 2005

The type of colorectal cancer screening test recommend for you will depend on your age, your family history of the disease and if you are experiencing any symptoms.

If you have a family history of colon cancer or have other risk factors, consult with your doctor to determine which screening methods are right for you.

In general, women age 40 to 50 should have a yearly digital rectal exam.

For men and women age 50 and over, it’s advised to have a yearly digital rectal exam and stool blood test. A flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years after age 50 is recommended for those without a family history of colorectal cancer.

Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a procedure to look inside the rectum and colon for polyps, abnormal areas or cancer. A colonoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through the rectum into the colon. Polyps or tissue samples may be taken for biopsy. This is a more difficult procedure than sigmoidoscopy requiring anesthesia or heavy sedation.

Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure to look inside the rectum and sigmoid (lower) colon for polyps, abnormal areas or cancer. A sigmoidoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through the rectum into the sigmoid colon. Polyps or tissue samples may be taken for biopsy. This is an outpatient procedure that does not require sedative anesthesia or pain medication. A sigmoidoscopy and a digital rectal exam (DRE — see below) may be used together to screen for colorectal cancer.

Barium enema
A barium enema (BE) is a series of X-rays of the lower gastrointestinal tract. A liquid that contains barium (a silver-white metallic compound) is put into the rectum. The barium coats the lower gastrointestinal tract and X-rays are taken. This procedure is also called a lower GI series.

Fecal occult blood test
A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) checks stool (solid waste) for blood that can only be seen with a microscope. Small samples of stool are placed on special cards and returned to the doctor or laboratory for testing. Blood in the stool may be a sign of polyps or cancer.

Digital rectal exam
A digital rectal exam (DRE) is an exam of the rectum. The doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the lower part of the rectum to feel for lumps or anything else that seems unusual.

Source: National Cancer Institute

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