This is a good question, and one that you may have discussed with your primary provider or gastroenterologist. The bottom line here is that colon cancer prevention is the primary goal of screening. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the US and the second leading cause of cancer death. Ideally, we would want to find and remove polyps before they turned into cancer. We would also like to identify cancers early, when they are most treatable.

The current recommendations, according to the American Cancer Society, are to get a test that finds both polyps and cancer. The options include flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, colonoscopy every 10 years, double contrast barium enema every 5 years, or CT (virtual) colonography every 5 years. Testing might need to be more frequent, depending on whether polyps or other abnormalities are discovered.

Tests that primarily find cancer but do not routinely identify polyps include stool testing for blood every year, stool immunochemical testing every year, and stool DNA testing, although the frequency has not been determined. If any of these tests are positive or suspicious, colonoscopy would be required.

Screening should begin over the age of 50. Those with an increased or high risk of colon cancer may need screening earlier and more frequently.

Some polyps and almost all colon cancers will require an operation to remove part of the colon. In many cases, this operation can be done laparoscopically which is often associated with less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and an earlier return to most activities.

Now that you are briefed, be sure to discuss colon cancer screening with your primary provider and/or gastroenterologist to determine the most appropriate testing for you.  Rates of this disease have been going down in recent years, but they could be lower if all people who should be screened actually got screened!

If you are requiring colon surgery and would like to consider a laparoscopic operation, please come in for a more thorough discussion. You can call our office to schedule an appointment.