Colon cancer detection in Fort Pierce

How do you get tested for colon cancer?

Did you know that the death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping for the past few decades? This is in big part due to screening being more common, as doctors can find and remove polyps before they develop into cancer. Therefore, it’s essential to get colon cancer detection in Fort Pierce regularly.

The following tests are not only used for colon cancer detection, but also to discover polyps or other abnormalities. They can be performed even when a person does not have symptoms associated with colon cancer.

• A fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• A fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
• A stool DNA
• A colonoscopy
• A sigmoidoscopy
• A virtual or CT colonoscopy
• A double contrast barium enema (DCBE)

 

None of these tests is equal to the other. There may be some that adjust better to your case, so you should talk to a colorectal doctor before settling on a test for colon cancer detection in Fort Pierce.

FOBT, FIT and stool DNAs are all similar in the fact that they aren’t invasive, examining samples of your stools instead. This means there is no need to clean the colon. For FIT and stool DNAs you need no prep at all, while for FOBT you must avoid meat, iron supplements and certain medicines, as they could generate a false positive.

As colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, CT colonoscopy and DCBE are all visual tests, you must clean out your bowel for the doctor to be able to see the colon and any abnormalities in it. For that reason, if you take any of these tests you’ll need a full bowel prep.

Full bowel prep consists of two stages. First, you will have to undergo a clear liquid diet for 1-3 days before the procedure. You may also have to suspend some medications. Then, you’ll have to empty the colon completely, a process for which you’ll be prescribed laxatives.

Some important guidelines to follow regarding colon cancer screening:

• Screening for most adults should begin at age 50 with one of the screening methods mentioned above.

• If you suffer from inflammatory intestinal conditions, have a family history of colon cancer or suffer from diseases such as diabetes and Lynch syndrome, your doctor will recommend starting screening earlier.

• The frequency with which you should be screened will depend on the type of method and on your individual risk factors.

• If you’re over 75 and have an average risk of colon cancer, screening might not be necessary any longer. If you have a high risk of the disease, you should continue regularly.

As you can see, the course you should take with colon cancer detection in Fort Pierce varies greatly and depends on your personal risk of developing colorectal cancer. Consequently, you should talk to a doctor to assess your risks and the pros and cons of each screening method.

Through collaborative testing labs and using high quality and recognized brands products and advanced technological equipment, the Institute of Health & Wellness utilizes our physicians’ expertise to research and identify the proper treatment for your affliction.

Contact the Institute of Health & Wellness for more information on colon cancer detection in Fort Pierce.

Phone: 772-539-9556
Address: 218 SW Atlanta Ave, Stuart, Florida 34994