Seriously, do it. Colon Cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer and 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, accounting for nearly 10% of all cancer related deaths. The good news is that with early detection, and advances in cancer treatment the rate of death has been decreasing.
Although many people may understandably be hesitant to screen for cancer for fear of finding cancer, if a cancer is found in its earliest stages, the prognosis is typically more favorable than waiting until it can no longer be ignored.
1. Stool Based Screening
There are several stool-based tests. They look for hidden blood that the human eye cannot see and/or altered DNA within the stool suggestive of colon cancer. A negative test (no blood and/or abnormal DNA detected) is considered normal, and you will need to repeat the screen in 1-3 years. Any positive test requires a colonoscopy
2. CT Colonography
Requires bowel prep, uses a low dose CT scan, and if negative you do not need screening for another 5 years. Any positive findings require a colonoscopy
3. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Requires bowel prep, Can only visualize certain parts of the rectum and colon, and if negative you do not need screening for another 5 years. Any positive findings require a colonoscopy
4. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy combined with Stool Based Screening
Requires bowel prep, Can only visualize certain parts of the rectum and colon, and if negative you do not need screening for another 10 years. Any positive findings require a colonoscopy
5. Colonoscopy
Considered the gold standard, and preferred method. Requires bowel prep, and sedation. It is the best imaging option because it can view the entire colon, take biopsies, and remove polyps. If negative, no colonoscopy is needed for another 10 years.
Schedule your visit with the NWIM team today to discuss if screening for colorectal cancer, and which type of screening is right for you.
References:
- U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. U.S. Cancer Statistics Data Visualizations Tool, based on 2020 submission data (1999-2018): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Cancer Institute; www.cdc.gov/cancer/dataviz, released in June 2021.
- Islami F, Ward EM, Sung H, et al. Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, Part 1: National Cancer Statistics. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2021;113(12):1648-1669.
- US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, Barry MJ, et al. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977.