Colorectal cancer occurs when tumors develop in the lining of the large intestine. The condition is common among both men and women. The risk of developing this cancer is higher for those over 50 years old.
Colonoscopy screening is typically recommended for those who are more likely to get colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy screening is considered a preventative measure to ensure the individual’s colon is healthy.
People that are prone to developing colorectal cancer include:
- Those with history of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Those with a family history of colorectal cancer
- Those who smoke
- Those who eat a diet full of fat
Common Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms that point to colorectal cancer include:
- Vomiting or nausea
- Stools that are very narrow
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constipation or diarrhea
- A nagging feeling that the bowel is not emptied completely
- Bright red blood in the stool
- Black stools
- Frequent cramps
- Frequent gas pains
- Feeling bloated or full
However, some patients may not have exhibited any symptoms. This is the reason why screening tests are important. Ideally, everyone past 50 should be screened. Common tests can include testing for blood in the stool and colonoscopy.
Colorectal cancer treatments can include radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or a combination. Surgery is also the likely option when the condition is detected early.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer screening, also known as an endoscopy, can detect polyps in the large intensive which can develop into cancer. Hence, regular screenings are recommended so that even if the cancer is present, it is detected early which can increase the survival rate.
Screening Tests
Ways to screen for colorectal cancer include:
Stool Test
- Small cancers and polyps found in the colon can cause bleeding that is not visible to the naked eye. Blood can also be found in the stool.
- The stool test will check for blood found in the stool.
- One of the most common tests is the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT).
- There are two other tests namely, stool DNA test (sDNA) and the fecal immunochemical test.
Sigmoidoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy makes use of a small and flexible scope to view the lower part of the colon. Since the test only views one third of the colon or the large intestine, it might miss cancers that are located higher up in the large intestine.
Colonoscopy
- This procedure is similar to sigmoidoscopy but with colonoscopy, doctors can view the entire colon.
- Health care providers will provide steps to cleanse the bowel. This procedure is also known as bowel preparation.
- Patients are sedated during the procedure to make them sleepy and relaxed.
- At times, CT scans are recommended as an alternative to colonoscopy. This procedure is also known as virtual colonoscopy.
Other Tests
With capsule endoscopy, the patient will swallow a pill-sized camera that will take a video of the insides of the small intestines. The chance of cancer in the small intestines are lower, so it is not recommended for standard intestinal screening. Among the tests mentioned, colonoscopy is considered the most thorough because polypectomies can still occur.
Ideally, you need to speak with your doctor about the screening that suits you best. For those people who have a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer, screening before age 50 is recommended. Frequent testing may also be required if you are in this higher risk group.
Common risk factors are:
- Those with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Siblings, parents, child with colorectal cancer of polyps before 60 years old
- History of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
