Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer screening involves testing people for the disease when no symptoms are present. Screening can help doctors find cancer in its early stages, making it easier to treat. In general, people should begin being screened for colon or rectal cancer starting at age 50; however, people with risk factors for these forms of cancer should be tested earlier. Tests used in colorectal cancer screening include rectal exams, fecal occult blood tests, and colonoscopies.

 

Colorectal Cancer Screening: An Introduction

Colorectal cancer screening is the process of testing for the disease before a person exhibits symptoms of the cancer. Such screening can help the doctor find polyps or cancer in the early stages. Finding and removing polyps may prevent colorectal cancer. Also, treatment for colorectal cancer is more likely to be effective when the disease is found early.
 

Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests

The following colorectal cancer screening tests are used to detect polyps, cancer, or other problems in the colon and rectum:
 
Digital Rectal Exam
A digital rectal exam is often part of a routine physical examination. The doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormal areas in the lower part of the rectum.
 
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
Sometimes cancers or polyps in the rectum or colon bleed. The fecal occult blood test can detect tiny amounts of blood in the stool. If the FOBT detects blood, other tests are needed to find the source of the blood. Other conditions, like hemorrhoids, can also cause blood in the stool.
(Colorectal Cancer Screening Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD