Colon Cancer Screening

1. Colonoscopy

• Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening. This procedure involves the use of a flexible, camera-equipped tube to examine the entire colon and rectum. During the colonoscopy, Dr. Sikavi can detect and remove polyps, which are precancerous growths, and take biopsies of any suspicious areas. This procedure not only detects cancer but also helps prevent it by removing polyps before they can develop into cancer.

2. Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

• The FIT test is a non-invasive screening method that detects hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colon cancer. If the FIT test results are positive, a follow-up colonoscopy is usually recommended to identify the source of bleeding.

3. Cologuard®

• Cologuard is an advanced stool DNA test that detects altered DNA and blood in the stool associated with colon cancer and precancerous polyps. This non-invasive test can be done at home and is recommended every three years for average-risk individuals. Positive results require a follow-up colonoscopy.

4. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy is similar to colonoscopy but only examines the rectum and the lower part of the colon. This procedure is typically used in combination with other screening tests and may be recommended every five years.

5. CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)

• CT colonography uses CT scanning to produce detailed images of the colon and rectum. It is a less invasive alternative to traditional colonoscopy but still requires bowel preparation. Polyps or suspicious areas detected during this test will need to be confirmed and possibly removed through a standard colonoscopy.