Title: How is colorectal cancer detected?
The facts are, early diagnosis means a better chance of successful treatment. Regular
cancer screenings and removing polyps are the keys to prevention.
Based on your individual risk factors, your doctor will determine how often you
should be screened. However, basic guidelines for men and women, age 50 or older,
with normal risk may include:
- A yearly fecal occult blood test, which consists of a stool sample that is examined
for blood.
- A flexible sigmoidoscopy, every 5 years to screen the rectum.
- And a colonoscopy every 10 years to screen the entire colon.
- Other tests may include a double-contrast barium enema to detect polyps via x-ray
or
- As part of a routine physical exam, your doctor may perform a digital rectal exam
to check for abnormal areas.