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Prevention |
Colorectal cancer is preventable when polyps are found and removed. It is highly curable when found in its early stages.
It is important to have screening tests that examine the entire colon because cancer can occur anywhere in the colon.
Signs and Symptoms
This cancer usually does NOT exhibit signs in its early stages. As the disease progresses, any of the following may be seen:
- Blood in the stool
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bowel obstruction, causing nausea, vomiting and abdominal distention
- Abdominal pain
- Pelvic pain
- Anemia
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
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| Awareness |
| Cancers of the colon and rectum are the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancers and rank second among cancer deaths in the United States. The incidence rates show wide divergence by racial/ethnic group, with rates in the Alaska Native population that are over four times as high as rates in the American Indian population (New Mexico) for both men and women. There are only minor differences, between men and women, in the order of incidence rates by racial/ethnic group. After Alaska Natives, the next highest rates in men are among Japanese, black and non-Hispanic white populations. These are followed by Chinese, Hawaiians and white Hispanics; and then Filipinos, Koreans and Vietnamese. In women, Alaska Natives are followed by black, Japanese and white non- Hispanic Americans. Next are Chinese, Hawaiians, and Vietnamese; and finally white Hispanics, Koreans, and Filipinos. Incidence rates for both men and women are substantially lower among American Indians in New Mexico (18.6 per 100,000 in men, 15.3 per 100,000 in women). |
| Screening |
Screening is done on individuals who do not have any indications
(signs or symptoms) that may indicate cancer. If symptoms exist
than diagnostic workups are done rather than screening.
These test may be used in screening for colorectal cancers (anal, rectal, colon, appendiceal):
FOBT (Fecal Occult Blood Test)/Stool Test
Small amounts of stool are placed on a paper card and sent to a lab for testing. This test does NOT detect cancer. It detects blood which MAY be an indicator of cancer as well as many other health problems. A positive test mandates a complete diagnostic work-up, including a colonoscopy. |
PROS:
Simple
Cost effective
Can be done in the doctors office as a quick test but full test must be done at home |
CONS:
Unsanitary
Patient must retrieve samples from stool in toilet bowl
Does not detect cancer; only detects blood present in the stool
Feature: Fecal Occult Blood Tests - From People Living With Cancer |
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
This test can detect lower colon and rectal cancer as well as polyps - which can be a precursor to colorectal cancer. A tube is inserted in through the anus and allows the physician to view the rectum and the lower one third of the colon. A positive diagnosis of polyps mandates a complete diagnostic work-up, including a colonoscopy. |
PROS:
More cost effective than more thorough and complete tests
Can be done in the doctors office |
CONS:
Can only examine the lower 1/3 of the colon
Research has repeatedly demonstrated that in actual practice this test is not being used to its full effectiveness and therefore is rarely examining the entire third of the colon that it could view |
Digital Rectal Examination
This test may help in detecting anal cancers but is less effective in detecting rectal or colon cancer. The physician examines the area by inserting his finger into the anus and feeling for abnormalities.
A positive diagnosis of polyps mandates a complete diagnostic work-up, including a colonoscopy. |
PROS:
Inexpensive
Can be done in the doctors office |
CONS:
Is not able to detect polyps
Is not useful for detection beyond the anus and beginning of the rectum |
Anal Pap Smear
Using the same lab test that is used for detecting cervical cancer an anal pap smear should be performed. This can detect anal cancer in its very earliest stages. This test should be done along with another choice of colorectal cancer screening. |
PROS:
Inexpensive
Uses technology that is already solidly tested |
CONS:
Can only detect anal cancers
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Barium Enema
A barium enema is given followed by a series of x-rays of the abdomen. This test has recently been determined to be a less desirable test for colorectal cancer detection. |
PROS:
Lower cost that Colonoscopy
Non-invasive (air contrast is however) |
CONS:
Radiation has health risks associated with it
In practice it is frequently not used effectively
Misses too many polyps |
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For
more information, see Colorectal
Cancer Network |
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