Download Four Commonly Used Screening Tests for Colorectal Cancer 1

Four Commonly Used Screening Tests for Colorectal Cancer
1. Fecal occult blood test
A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a test to check stool for blood. Small
samples of stool are placed on special cards and returned to the doctor or
lab for testing. Blood in the stool may be a sign of polyps or cancer.
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kit to check for blood in stool
2. Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure to look inside the lower one-third of the colon
for abnormalities (inflammation, polyps, cancer, etc). A thin, lighted tube is
inserted through the anus and rectum. Tissue samples can be collected for
testing.
3. Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a procedure to look inside the rectum and entire colon for
abnormalities. A long, thin, lighted tube is inserted through the anus and
rectum and the entire colon is examined. Tissue samples can be collected for
testing.
4. Barium enema
A barium enema is a series of x-rays of the lower gastrointestinal tract. A
liquid that contains barium (a silver-white metallic compound) is put into the
rectum. The barium coats the lower gastrointestinal tract and x-rays are
taken. This procedure is also called a lower GI series.
New
screening tests are being studied in clinical trials.
Virtual colonoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a series of x-rays called
computed tomography to make a series of pictures of the colon. A computer
puts the pictures together to create detailed images that may show polyps
and anything else that seems unusual on the inside surface of the colon.
Clinical trials are comparing virtual colonoscopy other colorectal cancer
screening tests.
DNA stool test
This test checks DNA in stool cells for genetic changes that may be a sign of
colorectal cancer.