The end of March is drawing near— and with it comes the end of Colon Cancer Awareness Month. However, we shouldn’t forget about colorectal cancer as we enter into April. Many patients think that they don’t need to be screened because they don’t have colon cancer symptoms; as we’ve discussed in a previous post, this simply isn’t the case. Everyone over the age of 40 should be screened regularly, and it doesn’t always have to be with a colonoscopy!
Colon Cancer Screening
Some colon cancer symptoms are obvious and acute, like blood in the stool and blockages; however, the majority of colon cancer patients never experienced symptoms before the cancer was found. This is why it is so important to get regular screenings like the following tests that we offer at Tampa Colorectal Clinic.
Fecal Occult Blood Test
This test does exactly what it sounds like it does! Since blood in the stool (feces) is common in colon cancer patients, testing for its presence is a pretty good indicator that something is wrong. If there is blood in your stool sample, we’ll arrange more testing to get to the bottom of the problem. A positive Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) may not mean you have cancer, though. Blood in the stool could also indicate other issues such as ulcers, polyps, or hemorrhoids.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
If you have blood in your stool, either visible or hidden and detected by a FOBT, your doctor may recommend a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. This procedure is different from a colonoscopy in that a sigmoidoscopy only can evaluate up to the first turn of the colon. You don’t need to be sedated for this procedure, either; the sigmoid scope is thin enough that you won’t experience any pain.
Double-Contrast Barium Enema
This procedure is different in that it doesn’t involve a scope; your colon will be rinsed and coated with a liquid that illuminates on x-ray images. Since the Double-Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE) uses x-ray radiation, there is no opportunity to remove a mass right away if it is noticed. DCBE is often recommended for patients who cannot undergo a colonoscopy.
The Beloved Colonoscopy
There’s a very good reason that this is the standard screening procedure for adults over 50; the colonoscopy is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that you will be under general anesthesia for. A doctor will view the entirety of your colon with a scope and camera. This method is effective in catching even early, precancerous growths. Additionally, your doctor can take a biopsy of questionable tissue and even remove obviously cancerous masses while you are under.
Still have questions? Check out our frequently asked colorectal questions or schedule an appointment with one of our colon specialists today. Don’t put off your next cancer screening— schedule one with us right away so you don’t forget!