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Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Many of these deaths occur because the cancer is discovered too late and cannot be effectively treated. When colorectal cancer is found early enough, it is often very treatable. If you get a screening for colon cancer regularly you may save your life.
One method of screening, the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), checks for hidden blood in stool. The new immunochemical FOBT uses antibodies to detect human hemoglobin protein in stool. FOBTs should be performed every year in patients over the age of 50. Studies have shown that this can decrease the number of colorectal cancer deaths by 15 to 33 percent.
Advantages of the FOBT screening:
- No cleansing of the colon is required
- Samples can be collected at home
- The cost is low compared with other colorectal cancer screening tests
- Does not cause injury to the colon lining
- Rarely produces false positive results
- Dietary restrictions and changes are not required
Disadvantages of FOBT screening:
- Fails to detect most polyps and some cancers
- If abnormalities are found, additional procedures may be needed
- Must be done annually
The preferred screening method is the colonoscopy, which examines the entire colon. Colonoscopies detect growths so they can be biopsied or removed. These tests can help find growths throughout the colon, even in areas where they might otherwise be missed. Colonoscopies like all colorectal cancer screenings should begin at age 50 in people with average risks.
Advantages of Colonoscopy:
- Allows the doctor to view the entire colon
- If necessary, the doctor can perform biopsies or remove polyps during the screening
- Patients without increased risk only need a colonoscopy every 10 years
- While it may not detect all small polyps, nonpolypoid lesions and cancers, it is one of the most sensitive screenings currently performed
Disadvantages of Colonoscopy:
- Thorough cleansing of the colon is required
- Uses sedation (in most cases)
- Though rare, complications such as bleeding and tearing of the colon can occur
Other complex screenings are available. Talk with your physician to deter mine when to begin screenings for colorectal cancer and which screenings are right for you.
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