How to Screen for Colorectal Carcinoma

People with intestinal disorders or a high family history should be tested for any polyps or lesions of the intestinal tract. People over the age of 50 are at greater risk for cancer and should report any unusual symptoms promptly to their physician. There are various ways to screen for colorectal carcinoma. Some newer X-rays are being utilized, but the standard scope procedures are still considered more often. Follow any doctor recommendations for screenings.

1. Make an annual appointment with your family physician or gynecologist. Most exams will include a digital exam of the rectum if there are any unusual problems or if the patient is of a certain age. This test only screens the bottom rectal area.


2. See a specialist in gastrointestinal diseases if you have a high family history or are experiencing bleeding from the rectum, pain or other unusual symptoms.


3. Expect that some blood work will be performed to screen for possible intestinal problems. One test will detect blood in the intestinal tract. There may be some false positive results and further testing may be necessary.


4. Know that a sigmoidoscopy exam is often performed if polyps or other disease processes are suspected. The intestinal tract will need to be cleansed prior to the test, and the patient will have some dietary restrictions and instructions.


5. Understand that sigmoidoscopies use a lighted scope that can visualize the lower intestinal tract and rectal areas. This exam may be followed up with more extensive testing if abnormalities are found.


6. Follow through with the more extensive colonoscopy if the physician recommends it. This test is one of the best standards for screening, detecting and correcting some intestinal irregularities. The colon will need more extensive cleansing as the entire intestinal tract is visualized. Expect to be sedated during the procedure. Smaller polyps and lesions can be removed with this procedure. Any polyps or unusual tissue will be biopsied by taking a small piece of tissue to send for testing.