Should I Be Screened for Colon Cancer?

This FAQ with an oncologist offers information about when 和 why you should have a colonoscopy or colon cancer screening test.

Q : Why is colon cancer screening important?

A: Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is the third most diagnosed cancer in the United 状态s. The American Cancer Society estimates that around 130,000 new cases of colorectal cancer (75,000 women) will be diagnosed this year. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.

问:谁应该接受筛查?

A: Generally everyone should begin screening at age 50. 高危人群, such as those with a family history of colorectal cancer, prior colon polyps or inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) should start screening earlier. You should discuss your risks for colorectal cancer with your primary care provider.

Q: What are the options for colon cancer screening?

A: There are several tests available: colonoscopy, 大便血检, 灵活的乙状结肠镜检查, 钡灌肠, DNA粪便检验, 还有虚拟结肠镜检查. 结肠镜检查 is generally accepted as the best screening test.

Q: What does a colonoscopy include?

A: A colonoscope is a long flexible tube with a light 和 camera on the end that is inserted into the rectum 和 advanced throughout the entire colon. If any polyps (precancerous growths) are found, they can usually be removed at that time. Biopsies of tumors or any other abnormalities can be done as well. The procedure is done under moderate sedation 和 you will be kept comfortable. A thorough cleansing of the bowel must be done beforeh和 so that all of the colon surface can be clearly seen. This cleaning-out process is truthfully the worst part… most patients do very well with the procedure 和 have no recollection of it afterwards due to the sedation medications.

Q: What are the advantages 和 disadvantages of colonoscopy as a screening test?

A: 结肠镜检查 is the most thorough method for evaluating the colon 和 rectum. Biopsies 和 polyp removal can be done right at that time, rather than needing to come back for further procedures or testing. 结肠镜检查 has been shown to have a very high detection rate for polyps 和 any other abnormalities – better than the other screening methods. One disadvantage is that it is more expensive than some other types of screening, although it is covered by most insurance plans. There is also a very small risk of bleeding or making a tear in the colon, but this is outweighed by advantages of preventing 和 detecting colon cancer.