Colon Cancer and Screening Services

Page Navigation

Overview

Colon Cancer and Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Most colon cancers start as a growth on the inner lining of the colon and rectum, which are called polyps. Some types of polyps can change into cancer over time (typically many years), but not all polyps become cancer. The chance of a polyp turning into cancer depending on the type of polyp:

%

One third of all cancer deaths in the US are due to Colon cancer.

Adenomatous polyps (Adenomas)

These polyps have the risk to change into cancer. Because of this, adenomas are called a pre-cancerous condition. The 3 types of adenomas are tubular, villous and tubulovillous.

Hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps

These polyps are more common, but in general they are not pre-cancerous. Some people with large (more than 1cm) hyperplastic polyps might need colorectal cancer screening with colonoscopy more often.

Sessile serrated polyps (SSP) and traditional adenomas (TSA)

These polyps are often treated like adenomas because they have a higher risk of colorectal cancer.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that average risk adults begin cancer screening at age 50. However, as there has been an increase incidence of colon cancer among younger patients, the American Cancer Society and many others now recommend average risk individuals to start colon cancer screening at age 45. Cancer screening is recommended to start sooner if an individual has a family history of colon cancer.

Screening

Methods of Colon Cancer

There are several tools that can be used for screening for colon cancer. Your Saint John’s Physician Partners Gastroenterologist will discuss the risks and benefits of available methods and guide you in making an informed decision about the best option for you.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy Overview

Colonoscopy is a procedure used to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and the entire colon.

During the procedure the doctor can find and remove the polyps before they transform into cancer. This is the only test that can both detect and remove polyps in the earliest stages to prevent colon cancer.
A colonoscopy is the only screening method that is recommended for high-risk individuals who have a family history or personal history of previous polyps found on colonoscopy.
As a colonoscopy is the most accurate test, colonoscopies are recommended to be done once every 10 years for average risk individuals.
Patients with a family history of colon cancer, or personal history of polyps found on previous colonoscopies require sooner colonoscopies.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Overview

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that checks for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and lower third of the colon, as the entire colon is not examined during this procedure, polyps may potentially be missed.

Stool Tests

Stool Tests Overview

The gualac-based fecal occult blood test is used to detect blood in the stool. This test needs to be done year if chosen as method of screening for average-risk individuals.
The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool. This test needs to be done yearly if chosen as method of screening for average-risk individuals.
The FIT-DNA test combines the FIT with a test that detects altered DNA in the stool. This test is recommended to be done every 3 years and only for average-risk individuals.
None of the stool tests have been shown to be able to detect polyps in the earliest stages. Positive testing would require a colonoscopy. Stool testing is not recommended for high-risk individuals.

Virtual Colonography

Virtual Colonography Overview

Virtual colonography uses a CT scan to produce hundreds of cross-sectional images of your to provide a detailed view of the inside of your colon and rectum. Polyps that are detected on this exam would then require a colonoscopy for them to be removed.

Specialists