The following describes screening methods for detecting colorectal cancer. For specific information regarding your health and treatment options, please contact your Hurley physician or medical professional.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

The best means of preventing and treating colon cancer is to detect it early in its development. Colon cancer often progresses without any obvious symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. However, there are a number of techniques that can help identify colorectal cancer so that aggressive treatment can prevent further complications or death.

The first step is to share information with your doctor about potential risk factors, including a family or personal history of colon cancer or polyps, or if you suffer from colitis and similar disorders. People at high risk should start regular screening before age 50. Individuals age 50 or older should get routine screenings for colon cancer.

Screening methods include a number of minimally invasive detection techniques, from genetic testing (if you have suspected hereditary cancer syndrome), to fecal occult blood testing and fecal immunochemical testing (both of which can be performed annually). Other techniques, such as flexible sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema tests or colonoscopy should be performed every five to ten years in older adults.