Colorectal Cancer Screening
Table of Content
Short description
Several tests have been developed to help gastroenterologists screen for colon cancer. Since the majority of all colon cancers begin as polyps along the intestinal wall, these tests are specially designed to either spot growths in the lower intestine or otherwise detect the presence of blood in a person’s stool. Each test offers advantages and disadvantages – something patients should discuss in detail with their healthcare providers when deciding to undergo colorectal cancer screening. When performed regularly, colorectal cancer screenings can detect cancer before it has a chance to spread – potentially saving a life.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will be asked to lie down on your left side with your knees slightly bent. Please note that because of the sensitive nature of this test, every effort will be made to respect and guard your privacy.
A small catheter with a balloon attached to the end will be placed about four inches into your rectum. The catheter may be slowly pulled out and placed back in during the exam.
You will be asked to do a series of squeezes, like holding in a bowel movement, followed by bear downs, like pushing out a bowel movement.
The balloon at the end of the catheter will then be inflated and deflated a few times. The medical assistant will ask when you feel a sensation in your rectum or when you feel the urge to have a bowel movement.
The medical assistant will then take out the catheter, and a different catheter will be inserted that will also have a balloon attached to it. The balloon will be inflated with water, and you will asked to sit on a bedside commode to test if you can expel (push out) the balloon within 5 minutes. If you are unable to do so, the medical assistant will deflate the balloon and take the catheter out for you.
The procedure takes approximately 60 minutes to complete.
When should I first be screened for colorectal cancer?
You should talk with your gastroenterologist about the best time for you to begin colorectal cancer screening. For most people, age 50 is the recommended age for a first colonoscopy. However, your doctor may suggest earlier screening if you have a family history of colon cancer, have blood in your stool, or have specific factors that could raise your risk of colon cancer.
How often will I need colorectal cancer screening in St. Petersburg?
Colorectal cancer is most easily prevented and treated when detected in its earliest stages. It can take many years for pre-cancerous polyps to turn into colorectal cancer, so most people can go several years between screenings, depending on the type of test being administered. Patients undergoing flexible sigmoidoscopy or barium enema, for example, need to be screened every 5 years. Those undergoing colonoscopy only need to be screened once every 10 years. People with an elevated risk of colon cancer or a history of polyps may need colorectal cancer screenings more often. Also, your doctor may order a fecal occult blood test, fecal immunochemical test or a stool DNA test once per year in between screenings to check for the presence of colon cancer.
Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk of developing colon cancer?
The chief risk factor for colon cancer is age, however, there are certain lifestyle factors that may contribute to a person’s likelihood of developing the disease. Cigarette and excessive alcohol use are known risk factors, as are obesity and inactivity. We recommend that patients stop smoking, drink only in moderation, and adopt healthy eating and exercise habits.
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