What screening tests are there for colon cancer?

A colonoscopy is the best way to screen for colon cancer.  Other common screening options include Sigmoidoscopy or Fecal Occult Blood Tests (FOBT).

What to know more about these tests? Click on the links below!

Colonoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Fecal Occult Blood Test

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Colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy, a small tube is inserted through the rectum into the large intestine.  This tube allows the doctor to see inside the entire large intestine (located in a patient’s midsection).  If there are any polyps the doctor can remove them and have them tested for signs of colon cancer.  The doctor can also see other unusual areas and take small tissue samples, called a biopsy.  This biopsy is then tested for signs of colon cancer.

Patients are required to prepare for this procedure by taking a laxative prescribed or recommended by the doctor.  Patients also have to follow a certain diet the day before.  This helps to make sure the colon is clean so the doctor can easily see the sides of the large intestine and see any polyps or unusual areas.

Patients are given medicine so they are sleepy and comfortable during the procedure.  Because of this, they must have a friend or family member drive them home after the procedure.

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Sigmoidoscopy

During a sigmoidoscopy, the doctor uses a small tube to look at part of a patient’s large intestine (located in a patient’s midsection).  This allows the doctor to see any growths (called polyps) that are in that part of the intestine, as well as any unusual areas of tissue. 

If a polyp is found during a sigmoidoscopy, the patient may need a colonoscopy to make sure there are no polyps in the rest of the colon.

Patients are awake during this procedure.

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Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

A FOBT is a small take-home kit given to patients, usually by their doctor.  Patients must take samples of three bowel movements using the sticks that are provided in the kit.  The patient then returns the kit to their doctor or mails it to a lab where it is tested for signs of colon cancer, including blood in the stool.

FOBTs cannot find polyps that do not have cancer growing in them yet.  It can detect polyps that have cancer growing in them.

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