Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women in the U.S. Even in the absence of symptoms, Astera Health offers various colorectal screening options, enabling early detection and improving the likelihood of a successful recovery.
Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors and Symptoms
Early detection is crucial in effectively treating colorectal cancer, with colonoscopies serving as the gold standard for testing. According to the American Cancer Society, individuals aged 45 and older are recommended to undergo a colonoscopy every ten years.
By prioritizing regular screenings and maintaining routine healthcare visits with your provider, colorectal cancer can be both preventable and manageable.
Colorectal cancer can be asymptomatic in its early stages, but as it progresses, symptoms may include:
- Blood in the stool
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Irregular bowel movements
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Unexplained weight loss
Certain health and lifestyle factors mean you’re at an increased risk for colorectal cancer, including:
- Being sedentary
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- First-degree relative with a history of colon or rectal cancer
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Existing inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Inherited conditions, including Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis
- Obesity
- Smoking
While these risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer, those without risk factors should remain vigilant about maintaining regular screenings and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Colonoscopies: The Leading Test for Colorectal Cancer
Colonoscopies are widely recommended as the primary diagnostic tool for detecting signs of colorectal cancer in the United States. Even if an initial procedure is less invasive, individuals whose test results indicate signs of colorectal cancer or an elevated risk will be directed to undergo a colonoscopy. This procedure provides an effective way of identifying any abnormalities that may require further attention.
If you are between 76 and 85, it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider the risks and benefits associated with undergoing a colonoscopy.
What are polyps and why are they removed?
Polyps are abnormal growths in the colon lining that are usually benign (non-cancerous). They vary in size from a tiny dot to several inches. It is difficult to tell a benign polyp from a malignant (cancerous polyp) by its appearance, so your provider will usually remove polyps for analysis. Because cancer begins in polyps, removing them is an important means of preventing colon cancer.
What happens after a colonoscopy?
You will be monitored until most of the effects of the sedative have worn off. You might have some cramping or bloating because of the air introduced into the colon during the examination. This should disappear quickly when you pass gas. Your provider will explain the results of the examination to you, and you may need to wait for the results of any biopsies performed. If you received a sedative during the procedure, someone must drive you home and stay with you.
What to Expect with a Colonoscopy
- Your provider can recommend a specialist for the procedure and may even be able to schedule the colonoscopy for you.
- You may be instructed to stop taking certain medications or make dietary changes prior to your colonoscopy.
- You’ll be given specific instructions on cleaning your colon and rectum before the procedure. Follow directions to the prep drink carefully, as they’re vital to the test’s accuracy.
- You’ll be under general anesthesia throughout your colonoscopy and shouldn’t feel any discomfort.
- The procedure allows your provider to view the inside of your large intestine through a very small camera attached to a tube that goes through your digestive tract, allowing them to see into the colon through the rectum.
- A provider will examine your colon to determine whether any abnormalities, such as polyps, need further investigation.
- During the colonoscopy, a provider can have suspicious polyps removed in order to have them tested for any pre-cancerous or cancerous cells.
- Following your colonoscopy, be sure to arrange for a ride home.
Cologuard
Cologuard is a minimally invasive stool-based DNA test that you can complete in the privacy of your own home. It works by detecting blood or protein in your stool that may indicate cancer. The kit is mailed directly to your home, which you can complete and mail back without having to come in for an appointment. You also don’t have to follow strict preparation instructions such as following a special diet, enduring a bowel prep, or having a pre-op physical. Your provider would then discuss the results with you. Cologuard is typically done every three years.
FIT Test
Like Cologuard, a fecal immunochemical (FIT) test is a stool-based colon cancer screening test that you can do in the privacy of your own home. It detects hidden blood in your stool, the reason being that cancerous polyps are often fragile and bleed easily as stool passes, but there is rarely enough blood to be seen in stool with the naked eye. Your provider will give you the test kit. Then you must collect several stool samples at home, place them on a card or in a tube, and mail them to a testing facility. FIT testing must be done once a year.
Which screening test is right for you?
If your provider recommends that you have a colon cancer screening test, you may be eligible for any of these tests. Your eligibility is determined by your family history, whether you are at high or low risk for colon cancer, and if you are exhibiting any symptoms related to colon cancer. However, if you opt for Cologuard or FIT testing and they come back positive, your provider may order a colonoscopy.
Talk to your provider about which test is right for you.
Preparing for your colonoscopy?
Here are some materials to get you ready for your scheduled colonoscopy: