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CancerQuest > Introduction to Patient Information > Introduction to Cancer by Type > Colon and Rectal Cancer: Introduction > Colon and Rectal Cancer: Detection and Diagnosis

Colon and Rectal Cancer: Detection and Diagnosis

The recent development of several colorectal cancer (CRC) screening options has led to the development of complex guidelines and recommendations. There are many different possible combinations of tests yet CRC screening is a cancer prevention tool that is not utilized by many of those who might be helped. Negative perceptions about some of the procedures and the relative recent application of the test may make them seem unappealing and/or unnecessary.⁽¹⁾ CRC is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. CRC screening is both necessary and beneficial. People at high risk for colon cancer should start screening earlier than those with normal risk. After diagnosis there are several options for treatment.

The American Cancer Society's National Guidelines recommend that those 50 and over at normal risk should have regular screening with the following options:⁽²⁾

Detection techniques that identify polyps and cancer:

• Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or
• Colonoscopy every 10 years, or
• Double contrast barium enema every 5 years, or
• CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years

Screening Methods that Primarily Detect Cancer⁽³⁾

• Digital rectal examination
• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year
• Stool DNA test (sDNA test) interval uncertain

References for this page:

1. Lemon S, Zapka J, Puleo E, Luckmann R, Chasen-Taber L. "Colorectal Cancer Screening Participation: Comparisons with Mammography and Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening." American Journal of Public Health (2001). 91(8): 1264-1272. [PUBMED]
2. Levin B, Lieberman DA, McFarland B, Smith RA, et al. "Screening and Surveillance for the Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer and Adenomatous Polyps, 2008: A Joint Guideline from the American Cancer Society, the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, and the American College of Radiology". CA Cancer J Clin 2008. E-pub ahead of print as of: March 13 2008. [PUBMED]
3. Colorectal Screening Methods. Cancer Research Foundation of America (2002). [http://www.preventcancer.org/colorectal/aboutcolorectal/about_screening.cfm]