Colorectal
cancer screening is one of the most important things people can do for their
health. Detecting cancer early through screening drastically changes how
treatable colorectal cancer is. Screening could even save a person’s life.
While a
colonoscopy is the preferred colorectal cancer screening exam because it can
find cancer and remove polyps, some patients choose other tests for various
reasons.
Colon cancer preventive tests include:
- Traditional colonoscopy
- Virtual colonoscopy
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Stool-based screening tests include:
- Fecal immunochemical tests (FIT)
- Cologuard (stool DNA test)
- Fecal occult blood tests
Patients
should talk to their doctor about the right test for them.
Focus on Colonoscopy
A
colonoscopy is an exam that detects colorectal cancer or finds colon polyps
before they become cancer.
A
colonoscopy involves insertion of a scope with a tiny camera throughout the
entire colon. It’s the most popular colon cancer screening test, taken by
millions each year.
An advantage
of a colonoscopy is that the physician can remove precancerous polyps found
during the procedure.
UT Southwestern
Medical Center’s highly skilled gastroenterology team has many years of
colonoscopy experience. With a modern outpatient clinic and endoscopy area,
we’re capable of providing immediate and expert care for any patient who needs
screening or is concerned about colorectal cancer. In addition, all of our
physicians have advanced training in the field.
What to Expect
We will
discuss in detail with each patient how to prepare for a colonoscopy (called
bowel prep). The day before, patients must cleanse the bowel so that the test
can be as accurate as possible.
Patients
are sedated during the exam and should not feel any pain, but some patients
experience slight discomfort or bloating after the exam.
When to Have a Colonoscopy
We
recommend a colonoscopy every 10 years beginning at age 45 for both men and
women who are at average risk for developing colorectal cancer.
Patients
at an increased risk of colorectal cancer should begin colorectal cancer
screening before age 45 or be screened more often.
Common
increased risk factors include:
- Family history
of inherited colorectal cancer syndromes
- Strong family
history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Personal history
of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Personal history
of chronic inflammatory bowel disease
Patients
should discuss their family and medical history with their doctor. Screening is
extremely important because colorectal cancer is highly curable when detected
early.
As guidelines from the American Cancer Society have recently changed, patients younger than 50 should check with their insurance company to determine whether they’re covered for a screening before the age of 50.
For
questions about when to be screened, contact our Cancer Answer Line at
1-888-980-6050. UT Southwestern also offers genetic counseling and testing for
those with questions about their family history of cancer and other diseases.
