ow-up testing anyway. At-home tests can also be difficult to administer for some people. When tests aren’t administered accurately, there’s a good chance you’ll need to schedule an appointment with your PCP for follow-up testing.
If an at-home test isn’t an option for you, there are a couple of other colon cancer tests to consider, which include:
Standard colonoscopy. Most commonly used, this procedure uses a thin tube with a lens to examine the entire colon. Polyps or other tissues are also often removed for biopsy. Before a colonoscopy, your doctor will provide you with instructions that will help you clear out your colon as much as possible prior to testing. While the colonoscopy prep can take a few days, the test itself usually takes less than an hour. Luckily, improvements have been made to the preparation process, and a new colonoscopy prep tablet may make it easier for patients to prepare.
Virtual colonoscopy. Also known as computed tomography colonography (CTC), this test takes pictures of the colon through a series of x-rays or tomography, which produce digital images that show abnormalities. This test also requires colon cleansing in preparation. If polyps or other growths are found, a standard colonoscopy will be the next step to remove them. Further testing may also be needed if screening detects possible issues with surrounding organs, such as kidneys, liver, spleen, and pancreas.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy. In this procedure, a small tube-like instrument with a light and lens is used to look inside the rectum and lower (sigmoid) colon for polyps or other irregularities. Polyps or tissue samples may be removed and checked for signs of cancer. Sigmoidoscopy is less invasive and tends to take less time (about 15 – 20 minutes) than a standard colonoscopy. While it doesn’t generally doesn’t require an anesthetic, your doctor may provide you with a relaxant. Your doctor will tell you what you need to do to prepare.
Annual Screenings for Colon Cancer Can Save Your Life!
The colon cancer doctors at Compass Oncology recommend annual colon and rectal cancer screening for early detection and prevention starting at age 45. While there is some risk of receiving a false positive or having a complication in some of the screenings, the benefits of screening far outweigh the risks. We encourage you to consider all your possible risk factors for colon cancer. Early detection and early treatment of cancer bring much better results. It can save your life.
If abnormal test results determine that colon cancer was detected, the specialists at Compass Oncology are here to provide you with a treatment plan specific to your stage and location of the cancer. We also provide second opinions. Request an appointment at one of our cancer centers located in Portland, Tigard, or Vancouver, WA.