Colon Cancer Doctor Explains Colorectal Cancer Screening

 

What Is Screening for Colorectal Cancer?

 

A screening test is used to detect disease when it doesn't show any symptoms.

 

Almost always, precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum give rise to colorectal cancer. 

 

Screening tests help doctors detect the precancerous polyps, allowing them to be removed before they become cancerous.

 

Additionally, screening tests can detect colorectal cancer early when treatment is most effective.

 

When Should I Begin to Get Screened?

 

Regular screening, starting from age 45, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer and finding it early. A cancer doctor in Kolkata recommends that adults aged 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer.

 

However, if you have the following conditions, you may need to be tested earlier than 45 or more frequently than others:

 

• Inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• A personal history of colorectal polyps or cancer 
• A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary colorectal cancer without polyps.

 

If you believe you are at risk for colorectal cancer, discuss the following with your doctor:

• When should screening begin?
• Which test should you take?
• How frequently to be tested.

 

Screening Methods

 

Depending on your symptoms, cancer risk, and other factors, your doctor will recommend the best screening method for you.

 

The screening methods include -

 

Colonoscopy

 

A colonoscopy is a gold standard for colon cancer screening and the most reliable method for detecting this disease, says a surgical oncologist in Kolkata. 

 

The procedure involves the insertion of a flexible tube with a camera through the anus. It allows the physician to see the entire length of the small intestine.

 

The doctor directs the camera through the rectum and colon to identify polyps and other areas of concern while observing a screen. 

 

Suspicious growths can be removed and investigated with a biopsy during a colonoscopy.

 

Sigmoidoscopy

 

Like a colonoscopy, a sigmoidoscopy utilizes a tube with a light and camera to examine the intestine's interior.

 

According to a cancer surgeon in Kolkata, this method includes the observation of only the sigmoid colon — the lowest section of the colon, where 60 percent of colon cancers occur.

 

Because a sigmoidoscopy examines only a portion of the colon, the preparation is less complicated, and sedation may not be necessary.

 

 

Barium Enema

 

During a barium enema, the colon is filled with barium liquid through an enema (injections of fluids used to cleanse or stimulate the emptying of your bowel,) followed by an X-ray or fluoroscopy (which makes a real-time video of the movements inside a part of the body by passing x-rays.)

 

The barium enables the physician to see the inner surface of the colon and rectum, which may aid in the identification of polyps or cancerous areas.

 

Virtual Colonoscopy

 

A virtual colonoscopy is a CT scan that produces a 3D image of the colon after inflating it with air, says a cancer doctor in Kolkata.

 

Virtual colonoscopy may be an option for individuals who cannot undergo a traditional colonoscopy due to breathing difficulties, a twisted or constricted colon, a bleeding disorder, or other medical conditions.

 

This examination is less invasive, does not require sedation, and can be completed in 15 to 20 minutes. 

 

If polyps or suspicious areas are discovered, a routine colonoscopy may be required to remove them.

 

Stool Sample Examination

 

Stool sample tests have the advantage that they can be performed at home and mailed to a laboratory for analysis. 

 

Your health care provider will give you a kit that includes instructions on how to collect the sample. Follow all the instructions provided in your kit, and talk to your health care provider if you have any questions.

 

Typically, stool sample tests detect colorectal cancer warning signs such as bleeding and specific cancer DNA markers.

However, the information provided by these tests is limited.