One of the most common procedures a gastroenterologist performs is a colonoscopy.
According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the second leading
cause of cancer deaths in the US and only 4 out of 10 people will detect it early.
If you are 45 or older, talk with your physician about scheduling a colon
cancer screening. A screening is the process of looking for cancer or
pre-cancer in people who have no symptoms of the disease. A regular screening
can often prevent colorectal cancer by finding and removing polyps before
they have the chance to turn into cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Options
Stool-Based Tests:
Cologuard®
This is the only stool DNA test approved by the FDA for colorectal cancer
screening. Done every 3 years, Cologuard® is used to detect altered DNA in the stool that could indicate the presence
of cancer or polyps. Each kit comes with a prepaid label to easily ship
back to the lab.
Where do I get the test? Your physician will order the Cologuard test kit and have it shipped it
to your home.
If your test is positive, your doctor will refer you to Baton Rouge General’s Gastroenterology
Center on Perkins Road for a colonoscopy.
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) / Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
Done every year, FOBT/FIT is used to detect blood in the stool that could
indicate the presence of cancer or polyps. People take these tests at
home with a special kit. The test can give false-positive results due
to other conditions like hemorrhoids.
Where do I get the test? Your (primary care? Gastroenterologist?) physician’s office stocks
FIT and FOBT tests and can provide you with one at your visit.
If your test is positive, your doctor will refer you to Baton Rouge General’s Gastroenterology
Center on Perkins Road for a colonoscopy.
Most health insurance plans cover the cost of colorectal screening. However,
if the results of the screening show you need more tests or treatment,
you may need to pay a deductible and co-pay, as you would for other medical
care. Talk to your health insurance company to learn how your screening
is covered.
Visual Tests:
Colonoscopy
This is the most traditional and comprehensive screening test for colorectal
cancer. To prepare for the test, you will have to do a bowel prep and
you’ll be sedated during the exam. The doctor will use a flexible
lighted tube with a small camera on the end to look at the entire length
of your colon and rectum. If polyps are found, they can often be removed
during the test and will then be biopsied. You’ll be instructed
to repeat the test in 5 years or sooner. If nothing is found, you will
not have to repeat the test for 10 years.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
This test is like a colonoscopy but doesn’t look at the entire length
of the colon. It requires a bowel prep that is not as extensive as the
one required before a colonoscopy and you are typically not sedated during
the test. If anything suspicious is seen, it will be recommended that
you have a colonoscopy so the doctor can look at the entire span of your colon.
CT Colonography
Also referred to as a virtual colonoscopy, you’ll still have to do
a bowel prep but will not be sedated during the test. Air will be pumped
into the rectum and colon and then a CT scan will take images so the doctor
can look for polyps or cancer. If something is seen that may need to be
biopsied, it will be recommended that you get a colonoscopy.
In addition to regular screenings, here are some ways you can lower your
chance of colorectal cancer:
Maintain a healthy, high-fiber diet
Stay active
Stay hydrated
Keep stress under control/ manage anxiety
Stop smoking
Maintain a healthy weight
Limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages
Check your medications. Certain medicine or the combination of pills can
cause constipation, nausea, diarrhea
