Colon cancer is the third most common cancer.The average person has a small chance of developing it.For colon cancer, the screening tests are very effective.Precancerous and/or cancer can be detected as early as possible, giving you the best chance of removing them before they become problematic or life threatening.
Step 1: At the age of 50, begin screening.
Screening is recommended for the general population at the age of 50 if they have not been designated to be at a heightened risk of colon cancer.One of the options to consider is a stool test, a colonoscopy, or a sigmoidoscopy, all of which are recommended every five years.Depending on your preferences, the one you choose for your screening will be different.
Step 2: You can take a stool test.
A positive test for blood and/or DNA in your stool is a sign that you may have colon cancer.It doesn't mean that you have colon cancer, but you should get a more extensive medical evaluation.The advantage of stool testing is that it is easy to do.You can collect the stool sample at home and send it to the lab to be evaluated by your doctor.Further follow-up exams are required for a stool test that indicates a possible colon cancer.It doesn't mean you have cancer, but you need further testing.A stool test that is negative means that you are at a very low risk of having colon cancer and do not need any further investigations at this time.If you want to screen for colon cancer, you should have stool testing once every two years.
Step 3: Go for a colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy is an alternative method of screening for colon cancer, and it is more accurate than a simple stool test.A small tube is inserted through your rectum during a colonoscopy.There is a camera and a light at the end of the tube that your doctor can use to look for colon cancer.If you want to clear out any stool from your colon, you need to take medication to make you vomit.You won't be able to return to work for the rest of the day after you receive light sedation and the exam.The advantage of a colonoscopy is that it is more effective than a stool test.You only need one once every 10 years if you want to take the stool test.The disadvantage of a colonoscopy is that it is a more complex procedure.
Step 4: Consider other screening options.
Most people choose the stool testing or the colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer.A sigmoidoscopy is where a tube is inserted through your rectum, but it is a shorter tube that only looks at part of your colon, or a "CT colonography," where you get a computed tomographic Scan.The sigmoidoscopy doesn't look at your whole colon.The advantage is that it is less intrusive than a full colonoscopy.The disadvantage of a "CT colonography" is that you will need to have a colonoscopy if there is a suspicious lesion, so that your doctor can see it first-hand.The procedure is not intrusive, that's the advantage.The screening tests should be done every five years.Doctors use a fecal occult blood test to screen for blood in the stool.If you have blood in your stool, you may need a colonoscopy.
Step 5: If you have an increased genetic risk, you should get earlier and more frequent screening.
Most colon cancer cases are not related to genetics.Even if a family member has colon cancer, this doesn't mean an increased risk for you.Colon cancer is the third most common cancer, and if two people in the same family get it, it is most likely coincidence.Some rare genetic cases of colon cancer account for 5% of the total cases.FAP and Lynch Syndrome are both related tofamilial adenomatous polyposis.If you think you have a higher risk of colon cancer, you should consult with your doctor.You will be eligible for colon cancer screening at a younger age if you fall into this category.The exact age that screening will start will vary from case to case.If you are found to have an increased genetic risk, your doctor will provide you with relevant information.Patients with FAP should start colon cancer screening at around 10 to 12 years of age.The high risk of cancer should keep this going into their 30s and 40s.The earliest age of colorectal cancer diagnosis within the family should be 20 to 25 years of age for patients with Lynch Syndrome or HNPP.
Step 6: If you have a disease, you should speak to your doctor.
There are two forms of inflammatory bowel disease.Depending on how long you have had it, as well as the severity of your disease (whether it impacts your whole colon, or just part of it), you are likely at a slightly increased risk of developing colon cancer.You may be able to get earlier and/or more frequent colon cancer screening tests.Your doctor will tell you what to do.
Step 7: There are other risk factors for colon cancer.
People who are overweight or obese, who live a sedentary lifestyle and consume a lot of red meat, smoke, or drink are all at an increased risk of colon cancer.Screening will be very important for these people.The good news is that all of the risk factors here are modifiable, meaning that you can reduce or eliminate them from your lifestyle, which will decrease your chances of developing colon cancer down the road.
Step 8: If you have any suspicious symptoms, report them to your doctor.
Your doctor will advise you to proceed with investigations sooner rather than later if you notice signs of colon cancer.There are a number of signs and symptoms to be aware of, and to report to your doctor.Bleeding from your rectum.Unusual fatigue/anemia and unexplained weight loss.There is ongoing abdominal comfort.
Step 9: If you have had colon cancer in the past, you should be screened.
If you have had colon cancer, you can have a tumor marker called "CEA" measured via a blood test and monitored in set intervals following your treatment for the cancer.This helps to detect any future occurrences.It will likely be combined with other screening methods in order to give you the best chance of catching any potential relapses as early as possible.