Steps to Setting Up a Colon Cancer Screening Test

By: Tl Kleban

Do you know which form of cancer is the second leading cause of deaths in the United States? Believe it or not, that would be colorectal cancer. Many of these cases are because the cancer was found too late to be cured or the symptoms of it were missed entirely. This is important because it can all be avoided since colorectal cancer, if found early enough, can usually be cured by surgery.

Doctors and specialists use various screening tests to look for this cancer in people even when they don't exhibit any symptoms. It so happens that in many cases these sometimes unneeded tests are the ones which find the colorectal cancers at an early stage and thus saving lives. Early discovery acan greatly improve the chances of successful treatment. Another reason physicians recommend screening tests is they can find and remove polyps that can become cancerous. Here are a few more ways you can schedule a screening test for colon cancer:

• Schedule an appointment to see your family doctor. They can listen to any symptoms you may be experiencing and advise a colon cancer screening test such as a digital rectal exam. From that they can make a judgment. It's is also a good idea to schedule one anyway as a part of a routine check up.



• Sit down with your doctor and go over all available options. Some of the more screening methods include tests such as a colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, DNA-based stool test, sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood testing and a double, contrast barium enema. These all can be recommended for you to undergo.



• Find a gastroenterologist close to or at least a physician specializing in the gastrointestinal system. They can perform a colonoscopy for you. You are better off finding a specialist for this since this test is a little more invasive than the other screening options.



• Have a colonoscopy performed if begin to feel some of the symptoms of colon cancer. Symptoms of colon cancer usually mean that you are well past the screening stage. Your doctor should start a diagnosis process instead. If your earlier screening tests came back positive, then your doctor should schedule another colonoscopy.



• Be aware of any and all risk factors associated with colon cancer. Most doctors recommend anyone over the age of 50 to have a colonoscopy performed at least once every three to five years. There are other screening tests which can be given annually but thats because they are less invasive.



• If you or anyone in your family has a history of cancer, polyps or irritable bowel syndrome, then it is a wise decision to be tested at an earlier age and not wait till your 50 especially if you have a lifestyle which puts you at risk. When your doctor talks about an at risk lifestyle, he is referring to a diet low in fruits and vegetables, smoking, alcohol and lack of exercise. These can all increase your risk of developing colon cancer.



• So you can see why living a healthy lifestyle is so important and why you need to exercise more as well as eat better. All of these things will significantly lower your risk of developing colon cancer right from the start. If you are one of those who fall under the unhealthy lifestyle, it still isn't too late for you to change your ways.

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