Which Colorectal Cancer Screening Method Is Right for You?

Colorectal cancer is a deadly diseasehowever, data suggests that screenings early can save lives by detecting cancer of the colon earlier than at any time in the past. Although a colonoscopy is the most effective method for cancer screenings, it’s by no means the only method of detecting this condition.

Your colon is an important component in your digestion system. Colon cancer is typically diagnosed as a non-cancerous tumor called a polyp. It grows within the colon’s lining. Polyps can develop over the course of time, usually ranging between 10 and 20 years.

Gastroenterologist Brenda Jimenez Cantisano, MD discusses the ways to screen for colorectal cancer including colonoscopy, the more traditional method to more advanced options and how to determine which one is right service for you.

When is the best time to have a cancer screening for colorectal

Since colon cancer tends to progress slowly, you may not notice any signs of the illness. This is why it’s crucial to regularly check for colon cancer screenings in order to spot issues before they develop.

The risk of developing cancer of the colon increases as you get older and the current guidelines suggest you should be screened around the age of 45. If you’re a member of a family with a experience of colon or rectal cancers, however, speak with your physician about having checked earlier.

Recent years have seen cases that have been diagnosed as colorectal tumors been increasing significantly among younger people aged 20-49. It’s essential that you consult your physician if you begin developing any signs of cancer prior to having had a screening.

“Early colorectal cancer doesn’t show symptoms, but once it becomes worse, there’s some things that you must not overlook,” Dr. Jimenez Cantisano advises. Talk to your doctor if:

• Bloody stool.
• Stool in black.
• The shape changes of your stool.
• The frequent cramps in your lower abdomen.
• Painful bowel movements.
• Rectal bleeding.

What’s the possibilities to screen for colorectal cancer?

The most popular screening test is a colonoscopy. It’s an easy procedure that examines the large bowel. There are other methods to screen, such as stool tests, blood tests, DNA tests, and much more.if any query contact us Health Guest Post.

Each has pros and cons, which include their overall effectiveness, the amount of preparation work required and the amount of time. The Dr. Jimenez Cantisano explains them.

1. Colonoscopy

Of the screening options for colorectal cancer, colonoscopy has the greatest capacity to detect polyps and colon cancer with a 70% success rate..

The test lets your doctor examine the inside of your intestinal tract using a camera that is flexible known as the scope. This test may or might not require sedation like conscious sedation (“twilight”) or general anesthesia. The colonoscopy is a screening procedure for signs like bleeding, as for polyps and other indicators of cancer. In addition, with a colonoscopy your doctor will be able to identify and eliminate the polyp.

“A colonoscopy is a benefit of being a test that is one-step while other tests, such as stool-based tests, could require two steps” Dr. Jimenez Cantisano notes. “If the test is stool-based and has positive results it will be recommended for further analysis.”

Prior to a colonoscopy your bowels need to be completely empty. Hence, there’s some prep process to complete. even though it’s unpleasant however, it’s crucial for the procedure to be successful.

“If there stool that covers or coats in the colon, an endoscopist may not be able view the colon and certain polyps could be not seen,” Dr. Jimenez Cantisano clarifies.

2. CT colonography

This procedure, also referred to as virtual colonoscopy also requires the patient to empty their colon prior to the time of your appointment However, you don’t need to be asleep during the procedure. If the Virtual colonoscopy detects a lump, your doctor may suggest an ordinary colonoscopy.

The colonoscopy isn’t able to discern the difference between benign as well as precancerous polyps. In order to do this, you’ll need the biopsy (tissue sample) that can be taken during the regular colonoscopy, however not in the virtual colonoscopy. (This is the reason why you’ll need to follow-up by the colonoscopy.)

3. Flexible sigmoidoscopy

Like a colonoscopy the flexible sigmoidoscopy is an outpatient procedure that is performed in a medical environment. It also requires some preparation to cleanse your bowels.

The sigmoidoscopy, which is flexible, examines only part of the colon that is left. It is able to determine the severity of conditions like ulcerative colitis. It can also detect polyps, however, only on the left side.

“If you are suffering from a cancerous growth that is precancerous on your left side, a follow-up test, such as colonoscopy, is recommended,” Dr. Jimenez Cantisano declares, “so it is not typically used to screen to detect colorectal cancer.”

4. Stool-based tests

There are a number of typical kinds of stool-based tests:

• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT):This test looks for blood that is hidden in the stool. It can detect early cancer as well as larger advanced polyps.
• Fecal occult blood tests (FOBT): Once the stool test you prefer to screen, FOBT is similar to FIT however, it needs three blood sample rather than one, and you need change your diet prior to giving the samples. Due to this, FIT is the most popular alternative.
• Test for Stool DNA The test is designed to look for abnormal DNA that is associated with the presence of polyps as well as colorectal cancer.

“The advantages from these test is the fact that they allow you to perform them at your home,” Dr. Jimenez Cantisano declares. “You don’t need to make any special preparations or an eating plan prior to these tests, and they can be completed at home with no delay in your work schedule for the tests.”

If, however, the tests are negative, colonoscopy may be suggested.

Which one is the best to you?

Before making the screening test, consult with your primary physician and they’ll discuss the possibilities with you.

To determine your individual health risk, your doctor’s will talk about your family’s health history as well as your own which includes race, age and current health issues as well as lifestyle habits. This will help you determine which test is best for you.