How to Get a Screening Test for Colon Cancer

Colon cancer develops in the lining of the colon, which is the part of the digestive tract that stores solid waste. Most often, the cancer grows from small polyps that are left untreated. With early detection, colon cancer can be completely treatable, so it is important to be screened, especially if you are in a high-risk category.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Primary care physician

1. Discuss your options with your health care provider. Colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, DNA-based stool test, sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and double contrast barium enema are all screening methods for colon cancer.

2. Make an appointment with your family doctor. He or she can administer the most common types of colon cancer screening tests, like a digital rectal exam.

3. Ask your health care provider to locate a gastroenterologist, or a physician who specializes in the gastrointestinal system, if you need to have a colonoscopy, because this test is more invasive than other screening options.

4. Get a colonoscopy if you are having symptoms of colon cancer. If you have symptoms, you are well past the screening stage and should begin the diagnosis process. A colonoscopy is needed if any screening tests come back positive.

5. Know the risk factors. Generally, it is recommended that anyone over age 50 get a colonoscopy every three to five years. Less invasive screening tests can be given annually. Anyone with a family history of cancer, polyps or irritable bowel syndrom (IBS) should be tested much earlier than age 50 if lifestyle puts him or her at risk. A diet low in fruits and vegetables, smoking, alcohol and lack of exercise may all increase the risk of developing colon cancer.

6. Start exercising more and eating better. As you are having a screening test for colon cancer, you should consider lowering your risk of developing the disease in the first place. If you have an unhealthy lifestyle, then you need to change that as quickly as possible whether you have colon cancer or not.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are diagnosed through initial screenings, discuss with your doctor the tests an oncologist will run to confirm the presence of colon cancer.
• Many doctors may need convincing to refer you for a colonoscopy or other screening if you are under age 50 and not showing symptoms. It is your right to change doctors and to be active in decisions involving your health. Speak to your doctor about your concerns.
• If, after screening, you are diagnosed with colon cancer, you will most likely have a flood of emotion. If you become too depressed to go about your daily routine, ask your doctor to prescribe an antidepressant or to refer you for a mental health evaluation.

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