Test Yourself For Colon Cancer - At Home

The colon and the rectum are parts of the large intestine, which temporarily holds wastes from digested food, before they are eliminated. Colorectal cancer, or cancer of the colon and rectum, is the 3^rd and 4^th leading cause of cancer among males and females, respectively. After lung cancer, it is the 2^nd leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. It is estimated that about 140,000 new cases of the disease will be diagnosed this year.

The current data on colorectal cancer may seem ominous, but the good news is that this type of malignancy is preventable and potentially treatable when diagnosed early. This is why it is important to learn more about the risk factors involved in developing the disease to be able to prevent it. Furthermore, it is also advisable to screen for early signs of the disease, especially for those who may be at risk, in order to obtain early diagnosis and treatment before complications occur.

Screening Tests for Colorectal Cancer

Early detection of colon or colorectal cancer may lead to immediate treatment and help reduce deaths from the disease. Aside from finding signs of early stages of cancer, screening tests may also help detect non-malignant (benign) changes that may increase one's risk for developing the disease. These benign changes include the presence of intestinal polyps or new growths that are non-cancerous, and chronic ulcerative colitis, which have been associated with the development of colorectal cancer.

Currently available and medically accepted screening tests for cancer of the colon and rectum include:

• Fecal (stool) occult blood test, a noninvasive, stool-based exam that detects the presence of small amounts of blood, which may be associated with lesions in the colon.

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy, an endoscopic procedure which uses a fiberoptic device inserted into the anus to view the rectum and the lower portions of the colon.

• Screening colonoscopy, which similarly uses a fiberoptic device to view the entire large intestine and last part of the small intestine. These endoscopic procedures also offer the advantage of being able to remove polyps and obtain a biopsy of the polyps or other lesions found in the colon and rectum.

• Virtual colonoscopy, a noninvasive technique that uses CT scanning to create two-dimensional images of the colon, as opposed to direct visualization offered by colonoscopy.

See Also: Colorectal (Colon) Cancer: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Home Screening Tests

A newly approved screening test for colorectal cancer may help reduce deaths due to the disease because it can be done in the convenience and privacy of one's home, thus increasing acceptance and compliance from the public. This DIY test offers a significant advantage over current screening tests that must be done within a laboratory or hospital setting. It has a high sensitivity rate, since it has been found to pick up more than 90% of positive cases. Furthermore, although it is far more costly than the simplest screening test (fecal occult blood test), expenses for testing once every three years may be covered by Medicare for certain individuals who meet some criteria.

Cologuard, A New DIY Screening Test For Colorectal Cancer

The FDA-approved test is called Cologuard (manufactured by Exact Sciences Corporation), and it is used to examine the stool for hemoglobin (a component of blood) and DNA mutations associated with colorectal cancer. Although it is not meant to replace colonoscopy as the gold standard for detecting for colorectal cancer, it is by far the most sensitive noninvasive screening test, which may be more acceptable to most people.

Who Needs to Get Tested for Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer affects men and women alike, especially those who are over 50 years old. Although it is often diagnosed in older adults, changes involved in the process of developing the disease may begin earlier. Factors that increase your risk of developing the disease include:

• Racial and ethnicity factors. Studies show that African Americans have a greater risk of developing the disease compared to non-Hispanic whites. However, non-Hispanic white individuals have a greater risk than those who are of Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Island descent.

• Family history. People who have a strong family history of colorectal cancer and other related cancers are more likely to develop the disease.

• Medical history. Individuals who have a history of colorectal cancer, other types of cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, intestinal polyps and radiation therapy in the abdomen are more likely to develop colorectal cancer.

• Dietary factors. People who consume a high fat diet that is low in fiber have a higher likelihood of developing the disease.

However, if you are over 40 years old, doctors recommend getting a screening test such as a stool exam for occult blood. A person who tests positive for occult blood has a 30 to 45 percent chance of having a colon polyp, and up to a five percent chance of having colon cancer. However, up to 20% of colon cancers may test negative in this test.

People who are older than 50 years old are advised to undergo a screening colonoscopy, which is a highly sensitive test that allows direct visualization, removal of polyps and biopsy of tissues. Depending on the individual's risk factors and results of his examinations, repeat tests may be regularly done to check for changes in the colon.

When to Call a Doctor

Call a doctor when you experience the following signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer:

• Change in your bowel habits.

• Blood in your stools, which may appear bright red or black in color.

• Chronic/frequent diarrhea or constipation

• A constant feeling that you are not able to empty your bowel completely.

• Stools that appear thin or narrow.

• Abdominal pain, bloating or gas.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Constant fatigue/tiredness.