Colorectal cancer screening is an important screening and used to determine the potential signs of cancer in the colon. 

Often during our annual physical, a medical provider may recommend a screening based on the stage in life we are in. Medical screening is a great tool performed to help identify the disease and potential risk when you may not have symptoms. Colorectal cancer screening is an important screening and used to determine the potential signs of cancer in the colon. 

This article outlines recommendations and generally what you can expect to learn from a screening.

What is a colorectal screening? It will help identify potential precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the rectum or colon. The benefit of this screening is it can catch cancer early to start treatment while you have an increased chance of removing cancerous cells.

Colorectal Screening Recommendations

The American Cancer Society recommends that people start regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45. However, on occasion and based on your doctor’s recommendation you may need to start screening earlier than 45, based on the following considerations:  

• Family or personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• A genetic syndrome like hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer

People in good health should have regular colorectal screening until 75. Between ages 76 and 85, the decision to be screened should depend on your doctor’s recommendation, personal preferences, overall health, and previous screening history. American Cancer Society doesn't recommend cancer screening beyond 85.

The American Cancer Society considers the following categories of people to be at average risk of colorectal cancer:

• A history of exposure to radiation in the abdomen or pelvis to treat a previous case of cancer
• A confirmed or suspected case of Lynch syndrome, polyposis, or familial adenomatous (hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome)
• Family history of colorectal cancer
• Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
  

Colorectal Cancer Screening Test Options

The screening process may entail a sensitive test that establishes cancer symptoms in the stool. Alternatively, doctors may use an exam that visually looks at the colon or rectum.

Stool-Based Screening Tests

Stool tests are generally non-invasive and easier to conduct. This also may require a higher testing frequency. Consideration typically includes:

• Annual highly sensitive gFOBT exam
• mt-sDNA (multi-targeted stool DNA test) done once in three years
• Annual highly sensitive FIT (fecal immunochemical test)

Visual Exams of the Rectum and Colon

Visual exams enable doctors to examine the rectum and colon's internal structure and entire length using a colonoscope. The tool is a flexible tube with a finger's width with a small video camera attached to the end.

Other visual colorectal screening tests that are also used are CT colonography and flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Colorectal Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Colorectal cancer may not present any symptoms right away. When it does, they may include the following:

• A change in bowel habits lasting more than a few days, for example, narrowing of the stool, constipation, or diarrhea
• Unintended weight loss
• A feeling of passing stool that's not relieved after doing so
• Blood on the stool, making it look black or dark brown
• Rectal bleeding with bright red blood
• Weakness and fatigue
• Cramping or belly pain

Colorectal cancers may bleed into the digestive tract. Over time, continued blood loss can lead to low red blood cell count. Sometimes a test that turns positive for anemia could be the first sign of colorectal cancer.

Note that these symptoms may also be due to conditions other than colorectal cancer. These include irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, or infections. It's essential to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Preventive Care

Scheduling a colorectal cancer screening test doesn't mean that you have colon or rectum cancer. In addition to colonoscopies, several other colorectal cancer screenings are available, including at-home screenings that analyze stool samples for DNA changes and blood, which can indicate a polyp. A screening is solely to give you insights into your health status.

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