Colorectal Cancer Detection

Programs that administer tests which determine whether an individual has colon or rectal cancer or polyps which may be precursors to cancer. Testing options include fecal occult blood testing which detects small traces of blood in the stool; flexible sigmoidoscopy which uses a lighted tube to visually examine the lower colon for polyps, inflammation or other irregularities; and colonoscopy, a procedure in which a long, flexible fiber optics viewing instrument (a colonoscope), is used to examine the inside of the entire colon. Fecal occult blood testing and sigmoidoscopy are screening devices. Colonoscopy is recommended if irregularities are noted using either of the two screening procedures.