Who should get screened for colon cancer?
One of the most widespread cancers in the country is colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer. It affects both men and women and is the third leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. Fortunately, there are several screening tests available that can help find colorectal cancer early, when it is most treatable. The American Cancer Society recommends that all people aged 50 or older get screened for colorectal cancer. This is because the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. Certain people may be at higher risk than others and should be screened earlier or more often. These people include those with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, those with inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), or those with a history of certain types of cancer. People at higher risk should talk to their health care provider about when to get screened and which tests to get. Therefore, obtain colon cancer treatment in Singapore to clarify your doubts. Depending on the individual’s risk factors and preferences, the health care provider may recommend one or more of the following tests:
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) or Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): These tests check for hidden blood in the stool.
- Colonoscopy: This test is done by inserting a thin, flexible tube into the rectum and colon to look for polyps or cancer.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Similar to a colonoscopy, only the bottom portion of the large intestine is examined during this procedure.
- Virtual colonoscopy: This test uses special x-ray equipment and a computer to create images of the inside of the colon and rectum.
- Stool DNA Test: This test checks for DNA changes in the stool that could be caused by cancer or polyps.
It is important to talk to your health care provider about which test is right for you. Depending on the test and the results, you may need to be tested more often. Getting screened for colorectal cancer is important for everyone aged 50 or older, and for those at higher risk, earlier and more often. Early detection is key to treating colorectal cancer, so don’t wait – talk to your health care provider about getting screened today. Therefore, colon cancer treatment in Singapore is the perfect choice to get accurate results.