Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer
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FAQ: How is colorectal cancer detected?
Dr. Paul B. Milner explains the various screening procedures for detection.Published: March 8, 2010
Updated: March 12, 2010
Men and women at average risk should begin regular screening at age 50. If you are at greater risk, you may need to begin regular colorectal cancer screening at an earlier age.
* - Have a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) annually
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* - Have a sigmoidoscopy every five years, a colonoscopy or double contrast barium enema every five to 10 years. Have all non-cancerous polyps removed to help prevent colorectal cancer before it starts.
* - Have a digital rectal exam every five to 10 years at the time of each screening sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or barium enema.
* - If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, benign colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or breast, ovarian or endometrial cancer, talk to your health care professional about earlier and more frequent screening.
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