Colon cancer screening

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. It usually starts with small growths (polyps) in the colon or rectum.

Colorectal cancer usually does not cause symptoms at first. But regular screening tests can help find it early, before it spreads and becomes harder to treat.

Screening tests for colon cancer

• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT).  Have this test to check a stool sample for signs of cancer once a year. If your test is positive you may need to have a colonoscopy.
• Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years. This test lets your doctor look at the lowest part of your colon, but it can’t find cancers or polyps that are higher up. It can also be used to remove polyps or get a tissue sample (biopsy).
• Colonoscopy every 10 years. This test allows your doctor to look at your entire colon. It can also be used to remove polyps or get a tissue sample.

Experts recommend that you start having routine tests for colon cancer at age 50, and earlier if you are at higher risk of getting colon cancer. If you are 75 and have had regular screenings or are 80 or older, you may not need screening.

Your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent testing if you:

• Are African American
• Have already had colorectal cancer
• Have had colon polyps
• Have symptoms of colorectal cancer, such as blood in your stool or changes in your bowel habits
• Have a parent, brother or sister, or child with colon polyps or colorectal cancer
• Have a bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Have a rare polyp syndrome that runs in families, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
• Have had radiation treatments to the belly or pelvis

Ask your doctor when you should begin testing and which tests you need.