Screening tests for colon cancer

Regular screening can catch cancer early, when it is most treatable and help prevent the disease by finding abnormal growths called polyps that can turn into cancer. Colon cancer does not get the same attention as some higher-profile cancers, but it should. Older age, especially 60 years or above is a risk for colon cancer; further family history of colon cancer or having inflammatory bowel disease has also proven to be a risk factor for colon cancer. A good news about colon cancer is it can be prevented. 75% of all cases could be avoided by things you can do.

There are a number of effective screening tests for colon cancer. Some are easy to do but need to be done more often. Others are more involved but need to be done less often. Which test you should have depends on your personal preferences and medical history. A surgeon can help you decide about which test to take.

Most people begin getting tested at age 50. People with a family history of colon cancer or other important risk factors may begin testing at younger ages and get tested more often.

1) Stool occult blood test every year: This is a test that looks for hidden blood in the stool, which can be a sign of cancer. The test is quick and easy. You just take small samples of your stool, which are then sent to a lab to be tested.

2) Colonoscopy every 10 years: A small flexible tube with a camera at the end is used to examine the full length of the inside of the colon. You are sedated for the test. If the exam finds polyps or other suspicious growths, they can be removed during the test.

3) Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years: An exam similar to a colonoscopy that uses a small flexible tube to examine the lower part of the colon (the sigmoid). You don’t need to be sedated for a sigmoidoscopy, so it is an out-patient procedure only.

4) Virtual colonoscopy every 5 years: A type of CT scan that creates a precise 3D image of the inside of the colon. During the test, a small tube is inserted into the rectum to gently inflate the colon with air. The scan itself takes just a few minutes.

Further, to avoid risk of colon cancer, a healthy weight should be maintained. At least 11 different cancers have been linked to weight gain and obesity, including colon cancer. Eating too much red meat – like steak or hamburger – increases the risk of colon cancer. And processed meats – like bacon or sausage – raise risk even more.

We also advice people to quit smoking. On top of raising the risk of serious diseases like heart disease, stroke and emphysema, smoking is a major cause of many cancers, including colon cancer. If you do smoke, quitting has real benefits, which start shortly after your last cigarette. Alcohol also can increase the risk of colon and other cancers at even low levels. Heavy drinkers should try to cut down or quit.

Another tips is to be physically active. It lowers the risk of many serious diseases, including colon cancer, and provides a good mental boost. Any amount of physical activity is better than none, but it is good to aim for around 30 minutes or more of moderate activity each day. Choose things you enjoy, like brisk walking, cycling or gardening.

There is good evidence that getting enough calcium and vitamin D can help protect against colon cancer. Recommended dose is 1,000 to 1,200 mg per day of calcium and about 1,000 international units (IU) per day of vitamin D. A daily multivitamin is a good nutrition that can also help protect against colon cancer. Avoid mega-dose vitamins. A standard multivitamin is all you need.

Get screened against colon cancer and get protected.

The writer is a General and Laparoscopic Surgery at Apollo Hospitals Dhaka.

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