Diagnosis & Staging of Colorectal Cancer
Types of colorectal cancer screenings
The Florida Hospital Cancer Institute works closely with the Florida Hospital Digestive Health Center to increase awareness of the importance of routine screenings for colorectal cancer. Screenings, such as the following, can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment can be very effective:
- Fecal Occult Blood Test: A test that is used to check for blood in the stool
- Digital rectal exam: An examination in which the doctor feels for abnormal areas by inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum
- Sigmoidoscopy: An examination of the lower colon and rectum using a lighted instrument called a sigmoid scope
- Colonoscopy: An examination of the rectum and the entire colon using a lighted instrument called a colonoscope. The advantage of this type of screening is that any polyps observed can be removed, or samples taken for biopsy during the exam
When should I get screened for colorectal cancer?
The FHCI recommends the following to individuals that are 50 years old or older without any symptoms and no first degree relatives with colorectal cancer:
- Baseline colonoscopy at age 50
- Fecal occult blood test performed once a year beginning at age 50
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy performed every five years beginning at age 50
- Double contrast barium enema (DCBE) every five years, or colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50
Talk to your primary care physician about your risk factors or to schedule a screening test. Talk to your family to see if anyone has had polyps or cancer in the colon, rectum, uterus, breast or any gland.
