Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer i.e. cancer affecting the lower digestive tract comprising of the colon and rectum) is among the most common cancers affecting both men and women. Worldwide statistics indicate that 663,000 cases in men and 570,000 cases in women were reported in the year 2008. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2011, about 141,210 people will be diagnosed and about 49,380 people will die due to colorectal cancer in the United States.

The number of cases in India is much lower than in the western world, thanks to the Indian lifestyle and dietary habits. However, as more and more people shift to a western lifestyle, the chances of developing colon cancer are also on the rise. In fact, Indians migrated to the western world show an increased incidence of colorectal cancer compared to those back home.

Low rectal or anal canal cancers can be detected with a simple examination called a digital rectal examination. In this procedure, the physician inserts a gloved finger into the anus and feels for any abnormality. This simple examination can also detect other cancers like prostate cancer in men and gynecological cancers in women. Thus, this test is recommended for all men and women over the age of 40 years as a part of their annual examination.

Health Animation - Colonoscopy Procedure

Quiz on Colon

Colorectal cancers usually arise from polyps. Polyps are small grows that arise from the inner lining of the colon and rectum. Not all polyps are cancerous; but since they have a chance of developing into the cancer, early diagnosis through screening and removal of these polyps plays an important role in preventing colorectal cancer.

Tests used in the screening of colorectal cancer are:

Stool Tests: These include

Fecal occult blood test (Enzymatic)

Immunochemical fecal occult blood test

Endoscopic Tests: These include

Flexible sigmoidoscopy

Colonoscopy

Radiological Tests: These include:

Double-contrast barium enema

Computed tomography (CT) colonography