Colon Cancer Test
You tend to hear more about breast or lung cancer than you do colon cancer, which in unfortunate considering that it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in both sexes. Colon cancer develops in the colon or rectum and if caught early the success rate for treatment is excellent which is one reason that a colon cancer test is so important
Not all polyps are cancerous, in fact, many of them are benign, but many physicians believe that left untreated benign polyps can become cancerous. It takes about 15 years for a polyp that is malignant to transform into full-blown colon cancer and if found early these can be removed, thereby preventing cancer from developing in the first place.
Who should be tested?
The general accepted process is to begin getting a regular colon cancer test when you reach age 50. The cases of younger people getting colon cancer has risen but statistics still say that over half the cases are still found in people over the age of 50.
If you have a close relative that has had colon cancer, polyps or another form of cancer you might want to inquire about a colon cancer test. The tests range from non-invasive stool testing to more invasive procedures such as a colonoscopy. The range of tests includes but are not limited to:
- Fecal occult blood test- This colon cancer test looks at the stool to determine if there is any blood content. The idea is that the blood vessels around a polyp or tumor are fragile and susceptible to damage from the passage of feces. The blood amounts in the stool are often so small that they are not seen by the naked eye. This screening is completed at home with a kit you can get from your doctor. If the results are positive you will need further testing to determine where the blood came from.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy- This is a more invasive colon cancer test. During this test, your doctor will insert a small flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end through the rectum to get a view of the lower colon.
- Colonoscopy- As colon cancer tests go this is the one most familiar to people. A colonoscopy is similar to the above test, the main difference being that your doctor will examine all parts of the colon, instead of just the lower.
- Double contrast barium enema- This colon cancer test is an x-ray that is enhanced by the prescience of barium in the colon. The barium allows abnormal areas to show more clearly on the x-ray.
Please also check out my other guide on gastric bypass complications and gastric bypass diet
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