Bowel Cancer Screening

Bowel cancer screening is a process used to detect bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) in its early stages, when it is more treatable. The goal of screening is to identify individuals with precancerous polyps or early-stage cancer, so that they can receive timely treatment and improve their chances of survival.

Types of Bowel Cancer Screening Tests

• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): This test checks for hidden blood in the stool, which can be a sign of bowel cancer. There are two types of FOBT: guaiac-based and immunochemical.
• Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): This test is similar to FOBT but uses antibodies to detect specific proteins in the blood.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: This procedure involves using a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end to examine the lower part of the colon and rectum.
• Colonoscopy: This is a more comprehensive test that uses a longer, flexible tube to examine the entire colon and rectum.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Colonography: This is a non-invasive test that uses X-rays and computer technology to produce images of the colon and rectum.

Who Should Get Screened?

The following individuals should undergo bowel cancer screening:

• Men and women aged 50-74 years, with an average risk of developing bowel cancer
• Individuals with a family history of bowel cancer or polyps
• Those with a personal history of bowel cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease
• People with certain genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

How Often Should Screening Be Done?

The frequency of screening depends on the individual's risk factors and the type of test used:

• FOBT: every 1-2 years for average-risk individuals
• FIT: every 1-2 years for average-risk individuals
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: every 5 years for average-risk individuals
• Colonoscopy: every 10 years for average-risk individuals
• CT Colonography: every 5 years for average-risk individuals

What Happens If a Screening Test Is Positive?

If a screening test is positive, the individual will be referred for further testing and evaluation:

• A colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and remove any polyps or cancerous tissue
• Additional tests, such as imaging studies (e.g., CT scans) or blood work, to determine the extent of the disease
• Referral to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or oncologist, for treatment and management

Benefits and Risks of Bowel Cancer Screening

The benefits of bowel cancer screening include:

• Detection of precancerous polyps and early-stage cancer, when treatment is more effective
• Reduced risk of dying from bowel cancer
• Improved quality of life and survival rates

The risks of bowel cancer screening include:

• False-positive results, which can lead to unnecessary testing and anxiety
• False-negative results, which can miss existing cancer or polyps
• Complications from colonoscopy or other procedures, such as bleeding or perforation