According to the American Cancer Society all men
and women should be screened regularly for colon cancer beginning at age 50.
Regular screenings help identify cancer early, when treatment is most
successful. Since some colorectal cancers are not preventable the best
option is to detect and treat the cancer early. The current screening
options available include:
* Fecal Occult Blood Testing (Hemoccult): Test yourself in the privacy of
your own home and mail sample to a lab for testing.
* Sigmoidoscopy: This 10-minute outpatient procedure examines the rectum and
lower colon.
* Colonoscopy: One of the best weapons to help detect colorectal cancer and
help prevent, by removing polyps. An outpatient procedure, it requires bowel
preparation and light sedation to examine the entire colon.
* Double Contrast Barium Enema: This outpatient procedure detects the
presence of large polyps and most cancers but does not allow for the
removal.
We encourage you to talk to your doctor to determine which type of screening
is right for you.
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