How do you detect colon cancer?
Colon or colorectal cancer is a severe health condition that can be life-threatening if it is not detected and treated in its early stages. Detecting colon cancer requires a combination of screening tests and diagnostic procedures.
A colonoscopy is one of the most commonly used screening tests for colon cancer. This procedure involves examining the entire colon using a long and flexible tube with a camera attached. During a colonoscopy, the doctor can identify and remove polyps, which are small growths that may develop into cancer over time.
Colonoscopy is recommended for individuals aged 50 and above and is typically performed every ten years. Another screening test for colon cancer is a faecal occult blood test (FOBT). This test involves collecting and sending small samples of your stool to a lab for analysis. The lab technicians will check for blood in the stool as it is an early sign of colon cancer. FOBT is usually performed annually, and if the results are positive, further diagnostic tests, such as a colonoscopy, will be recommended.
A newer screening test for colon cancer is the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Like FOBT, FIT also involves collecting and sending a stool sample to a lab. However, FIT explicitly detects the presence of human haemoglobin is, a type of protein that is found in red blood cells. FIT is more specific for detecting blood in the stool and has a higher accuracy rate than FOBT.
Like FOBT, FIT is performed annually, and positive results will require further evaluation. Virtual colonoscopy, also known as CT colonography, is a non-invasive procedure that uses computerised tomography (CT) scans to create images of the colon. This test can detect polyps and other abnormalities in the colon without a traditional colonoscopy procedure.
Virtual colonoscopy is recommended every five years for individuals at average risk of colon cancer. In addition to these screening tests, diagnostic procedures can be used to confirm the presence of colon cancer. If a screening test suggests the possibility of colon cancer, a biopsy will be performed. During a biopsy, a small tissue sample is taken from the colon and examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells. This procedure can definitively diagnose colon cancer and determine its stage.
Imaging tests or computed tomography (CT) scans, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may also be used to determine the extent of colon cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. These tests provide detailed images of the colon and surrounding organs, helping doctors plan the most appropriate treatment. It is important to note that the specific screening and diagnostic procedures used to detect colon cancer may vary depending on individual risk factors and medical history. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the most suitable testing approach for each individual.
Colon cancer can be detected through various screening tests and diagnostic procedures. Colonoscopy, FOBT, FIT, and virtual colonoscopy are commonly used as screening tests to identify colon cancer or its precursors. If a screening test suggests the possibility of colon cancer, a biopsy and imaging tests may be performed to confirm diagnosis of the cancer stage. Early detection of colon cancer is crucial for successful treatment outcomes and highlights the importance of regular screening for at-risk individuals.
