It is a great time to determine whether you are in need of colorectal cancer screening. Colon and rectal cancer make up the third leading cause of cancer in both men and women. About 1 in 21 men and 1 in 23 women have a lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer. Did you know that in Nebraska only 62% of people over the age of 50 get screened for colorectal cancer? That is one of the lower rates in the country! We, at Surgical Associates, PC, want to partner with you to help decrease the rates of colon and rectal cancer.
Screening for colon and rectal cancer is very important because most people who are diagnosed with cancer have no symptoms at all! Colorectal cancer is known as the “silent killer” because once you have symptoms, most of the time, it is a more advanced disease. We have noticed a decreasing number in cancer rates in those patients who follow colonoscopy screening recommendations. Colon and rectal cancer can be PREVENTED with appropriate screening. Colorectal cancer usually starts from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. A polyp is a growth that shouldn’t be there. Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests also can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.
Screening has more options now and it is important to work with your primary care provider to find the option that works best for you. It is also important to remember that if you have a positive screen, DO NOT ignore it. Go the next step and follow it up with diagnostic testing. At Surgical Associates, PC, we are here and available to assist you with the next step you need after a positive screening test. We have short wait times to get into see a provider and easy to schedule procedures so you can get the answers you need.
Options for screening include: Remember some screening times change due to risk factors and family history
| Colonoscopy | Examines entire colon Can biopsy and remove polyps Can diagnose other diseases Required for abnormal results from all other tests |
10 years |
| Computed tomographic colonography (CTC) | Examines entire colon Fairly quick Few complications No sedation needed Noninvasive |
5 years |
| Double-contrast barium enema | Can usually view entire colon Few complications No sedation needed |
5 years |
| Flexible sigmoidoscopy | Fairly quick Few complications Minimal bowel preparation Does not require sedation |
5 years |
| Stool Tests
(These tests are less sensitive. Single-sample FOBT done in a doctor’s office/toilet bowl tests are not recommended.) |
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| Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) | No bowel cleansing or sedation Performed at home Low cost Noninvasive |
Annual |
| High-sensitivity guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) | No bowel cleansing Performed at home Low cost Noninvasive |
Annual |
| FIT-DNA test (Cologuard®) | No bowel cleansing Can be performed at home Requires only a single stool sample Noninvasive |
3 years, per manufacturer’s recommendation |
| *Complexity involves patient preparation, inconvenience, facilities and equipment needed, and patient discomfort. | ||
