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Dr. Henry Dust is a gastroenterologist at Bronson Gastroenterology Specialists, seeing patients in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and Portage.
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Screening for Colorectal Cancer Saves Lives
Left undetected, colorectal cancer can be very deadly. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. However, for those who are diagnosed with early stage colorectal cancer and receive treatment, 9 out of 10 are still alive five years later. That’s why early detection is so important and why we focus on spreading the message each March during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
What Can Be Done to Reduce Your Cancer Risk?
The risk of getting colorectal cancer increases with age. The most important factor in reducing the risk is to be screened. In response to rising rates of colorectal cancer in those younger than 50, the American Cancer Society lowered the recommended age to start screening to 45 for those at average risk. It had previously recommended screening starting at age 50.
Other factors that may contribute to getting colorectal cancer include:
- History of inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- A family history or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Certain inherited genetic factors
A number of other more controllable risk factors may cause individuals to be more likely to develop colorectal cancer. These include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Lack of physical activity
- Poor diet or diets high in red or processed meats
- Smoking
- Alcohol use
What Screening Options are Available?
Traditional colonoscopy is not the only screening option to detect colorectal cancer. There are several non-invasive screening tests available. A positive or abnormal result from one of these tests can indicate that a colonoscopy test is needed for a closer view of the colon.
A fecal occult blood test is used to detect blood in the stool. The test uses a chemical to detect blood in a stool sample. The sample is collected at home by the patient and returned to the lab. Test kits are available from your doctor. This type of test is often done on an annual basis.
The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is also used to detect blood in the stool. Different from a fecal occult blood test, the fecal immunochemical test uses antibodies to detect blood in a stool sample. Collection of the sample is done in the same manner as the previous test and is also performed on an annual basis.
A FIT-DNA test enlists the same technology to detect blood in the stool as with the FIT test, combined with a test that detects altered DNA in the stool sample. A FIT-DNA test involves the collection of an entire bowel movement as opposed to a smaller sampling for the other tests. This test only needs to be done once every three years.
CT Colonography
Also known as a virtual colonoscopy, a Computed Tomography (CT) colonography uses X-rays and computers to provide images of the colon. The images are then analyzed by a doctor. A CT colonography is performed once every five years.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy in that a thin, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum. The lighted tube allows the doctor to visually check for polyps or other areas of concern. The doctor is able to remove most polyps and possible cancer during the screening and have it tested. Unlike a colonoscopy, a flexible sigmoidoscopy is used to check only the rectum and lower third of a colon. This test is performed every five years, or every 10 years when used with a FIT test done annually.
Colonoscopy
Similar to a flexible sigmoidoscopy, a colonoscopy uses a thin, flexible, lighted tube. However, the tube for a colonoscopy is longer. The doctor is able to check the entire colon during the test. Because the colonoscopy is such a thorough test, it only needs to be performed once every ten years if the results of the test are normal. It is only done more frequently if an initial colonoscopy detects polyps or cancers.
Tests such as the fecal occult blood test and flexible sigmoidoscopy, which have been used in the past, may no longer be considered the preferred choice as other similar tests are often seen as a better option. Which test is right for each person is determined on a case-by-case basis. Your doctor will review health status, family history and results of previous tests to help decide which test is most appropriate. You can speak to your primary care provider about which screening option is best for you.
If you do not have a primary care doctor, Bronson Care Advisors can help you choose one for yourself or your family based on your personal preferences, medical needs, insurance and location. They can even help schedule your first appointment. You can reach a Bronson Care Advisor at (269) 341-7788.
Dr. Henry Dust is a gastroenterologist at Bronson Gastroenterology Specialists. He sees patients in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and Portage. He can be reached at (269) 349-2266.
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