Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can easily detect these growths so that they can be removed before they become cancerous. If performed regularly, screening tests can also detect colorectal cancer in its earliest stages.

When Should I Begin Screening For Colorectal Cancer?

You should get a screening test for colon cancer soon after turning 50 years old and then continue to have one on a regular basis. However, you may need to have a screening test earlier if:

· You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or cancer.

· You have inflammatory bowel disease.

· You experience symptoms like blood in your stool, unexplained and frequent stomach pain, cramps, or aches, a change in your bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss.

What Kinds Of Screening Tests Are Used For Colorectal Cancer?

Fecal Occult Blood Test: A test you can do at home that checks for hidden (occult) blood in the stool. You place a small amount of your stool on test cards and return the cards to your doctor's office or a lab, where the stool samples are tested for hidden blood.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A lighted tube, called a sigmoidoscope, is inserted into your rectum and lower part of the colon to examine the lining for polyps or cancer.

Combination of Fecal Occult Blood Test and Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Some experts recommend using both tests to maximize your chances of detecting polyps and cancer.

Colonoscopy: Similar to a sigmoidoscopy, the doctor uses a thin, flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope. It is inserted into your rectum and entire colon so that your doctor can find and remove polyps and cancer.

Double Contrast Barium Enema: A test which allows the doctors to see if any abnormalities are present through an x-ray image of the rectum and entire colon.

*WebM