What tests are used to screen for colon cancer?
Depending on a person’s risk factors, the following colon cancer screening tests may be used (there is no blood test for most types of colon cancer): • Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) – Tests the feces for blood, which can be an indication of polyps or cancer, but also less serious problems. The person puts a small amount of stool inside folding cards, which are then returned to the lab for analysis. If positive for blood, a colonoscopy is needed. • Flexible sigmoidoscopy – A short, flexible lighted tube with a small camera is inserted into the rectum, which allows doctors to see polyps in the lower part of the colon. The patient is awake, and the procedure takes 10-20 minutes. • Colonoscopy – A long, flexible, lighted tube with a small camera allows doctors to check the entire colon for polyps. The patient is sedated, and it takes about 20 minutes. • Barium enema – An x-ray of the large intestine using a chemical enema is inserted into the rectum to show polyps. • Virtual colonoscopy –
