Is It Time for a Colon Cancer Screening? Here’s How to Know

Colon cancer screening allows for timely treatment and significantly increases survival rates for those with colon cancer. Read more.

Screening helps detect precancerous polyps or early-stage cancers, often before symptoms appear. But who should consider it, what are the different screening options, and how often is it needed?

This guide provides a comprehensive look at the signs that may suggest a need for colon cancer screening. It also provides important guidelines on who should be screened, and the benefits of early detection.

What Signs Suggest a Need for Colon Cancer Screening?

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Many cases of colon cancer don’t produce symptoms until advanced stages. However, there are certain warning signs that may indicate the need for a prompt screening. Below are major signs that suggest a need for colon cancer screening:

  • Persistent Changes in Bowel Habits: This includes prolonged episodes of diarrhea, constipation, or any unusual bowel movements that last for more than a few days. It may be accompanied by blood in the stool or dark, tarry stools which are also both potential warning signs of colon issues, including cancer.
  • Unexplained Weight Loss: If you experience unexpected weight loss, particularly if it’s over 5% of your body weight within a short period, it’s worth discussing with your doctor. You particularly be worried about the unexplained weight loss if it comes with cramping, bloating, or abdominal pain. These changes may indicate colon abnormalities, especially if they occur regularly.
  • Weakness or Fatigue: Feeling fatigued despite adequate rest, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms, might be due to iron-deficiency anemia caused by slow blood loss in the colon. Now, this sign along with the others outlined above do not always mean colon cancer. However, they may suggest other gastrointestinal concerns that merit attention. And that leads us to the next question;

Who Should Consider a Colon Cancer Screening?

Deciding to go for a colon cancer screening depends largely on risk factors like age, family history, and lifestyle. In Singapore, healthcare guidelines recommend screening for colon cancer based on the following criteria:

  • Age and Average Risk: For people at average risk, regular screening typically begins at age 45. This age guideline applies to individuals without additional risk factors like a family history of colon cancer or other conditions that predispose them to higher risk.
  • High-Risk Individuals: People with certain risk factors may need to start screening earlier or undergo more frequent testing. High-risk factors include:

(I) Family History of Colon Cancer: A first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with colon cancer or polyps, especially if diagnosed before age 60.

(II) Genetic Conditions: Certain hereditary conditions, like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis, increase colon cancer risk. Genetic counseling and earlier screening are often recommended.

(III) Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis increase colon cancer risk due to chronic inflammation.

(IV) Lifestyle Risks: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, high-fat diets, and physical inactivity are all linked to an elevated risk of colon cancer.

What are the Different Types of Colon Cancer Screening?

There are several effective options for colon cancer screening in Singapore. Each screening method comes with unique approach to detecting colon cancer. Here are the main types of screenings commonly offered in Singapore:

● Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

The FOBT is a non-invasive test that checks for hidden blood in the stool. This blood can often indicate the presence of polyps or cancer.

There are two main types: the guaiac-based FOBT (gFOBT) and the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). The FIT is more accurate and widely used due to its higher sensitivity in detecting blood from the lower gastrointestinal tract. The test is easy to perform at home and is recommended annually for average-risk individuals.

● Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for detecting colon cancer, as it allows doctors to view the entire colon and rectum. During the procedure, a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the rectum.

This tube with the camera (colonoscope) allows the doctor to look for polyps or abnormalities. If polyps are found, they can often be removed immediately to reduce cancer risk. Colonoscopies are usually recommended every 10 years for average-risk individuals, or more frequently for those at high risk.

● Sigmoidoscopy

This procedure is similar to a colonoscopy. However, it examines only the lower part of the colon.

A sigmoidoscope, a shorter flexible tube, is used to inspect the rectum and sigmoid colon for polyps and abnormal growths. While less comprehensive than a colonoscopy, it can still identify many potential issues.

It comes with the benefit of a shorter procedure time and quicker recovery. Sigmoidoscopies are typically recommended every five years for people at average risk.

● CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)

CT colonography uses a CT scan to create images of the colon and rectum. So, it provides a non-invasive alternative to traditional colonoscopy.

This test is often recommended for people who cannot undergo a traditional colonoscopy due to health conditions or who prefer a less invasive option. It is usually recommended every five years. Any abnormal findings will require a follow-up colonoscopy.

Why is it Important to Detect Colon Cancer Early?

It is important for colon cancer to be detected early because it allows for improved treatment success. When colon cancer is detected in its earliest stages, it is often much more treatable, with a higher chance of a full recovery.

For those with a family history of colon cancer, regular screening offers reassurance. In particular, it allows people to take proactive control of their health.

Closing Thoughts

Colon cancer screening can help safeguard your health, especially if you’re over 45 or at higher risk. Seek to understand your screening options and the guidelines to be best placed to make an informed decision.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or fall into a high-risk category, consider scheduling a colon cancer screening soon. Taking action today could seem minimal but it could protect your health tomorrow. Reach out to a colorectal care specialist below to learn about the best screening option for you.

Colorectal Care Specialists - Dr Ronnie Mathew | Gallstones Removal | Lipoma Removal Singapore

3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15 Medical Centre,

Singapore 228510

+6597252381

http://thecrcs.com/

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