Guset post by Katrina Robinson
There are several different screening tests that, when done regularly, can help to catch any signs of colorectal cancer before symptoms appear. These screenings are highly recommended for those over the age of fifty.
For people over fifty who have an average risk of colorectal cancer, at least one of the following should be done:
* Stool tests such as the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) should be taken each year
An FOBT is performed on stool samples in order to try to detect occult blood, which isn’t visible to the naked eye.
* Sigmoidoscopy every five years
This procedure allows your doctor to inspect the last third of your large intestine, namely your rectum and sigmoid colon. This procedure is similar to a colonoscopy but doesn’t last as long and doesn’t go as deep.
* Barium enema every five years
A barium enema is also called a lower gastrointestinal series and consists of a specific type of X-ray that utilizes barium sulfate to outline the lining of the colon and rectum. Barium sulfate is chalky and hard to swallow.
* Colonoscopy every ten years
Colonoscopies use a colonoscope to scan the inside of your colon via your rectum. The procedure itself can take up to an hour and a half and is an outpatient procedure that is offered at virtually every hospital.
* Virtual colonoscopy every five years
This test uses computerized tomography (CT) to take images of the large intestine. Less often, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used instead of CT.
While colon cancer screenings aren’t necessarily the most fun way to spend your time, they are necessary. And we can all agree that colon cancer itself would be a lot less fun than the screenings.
Katrina Robinson is a guest writer who writes for Oxy-Powder.
Incoming search terms for the article:
