How is colon cancer diagnosed and what are the typical screening methods?

Colorectal cancer is diagnosed through a combination of tests, including:

Colonoscopy: This is the gold standard test for diagnosing colorectal cancer. It involves inserting a long, flexible tube with a camera into the rectum and colon to look for polyps or cancer.
Sigmoidoscopy: This test is similar to a colonoscopy, but it only looks at the rectum and the lower part of the colon.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This test is similar to a sigmoidoscopy, but it uses a thinner, more flexible tube.
Bard FIT: This is a stool test that looks for hidden blood in the stool. Blood in the stool can be a sign of polyps or cancer.
Multi-targeted stool DNA test: This is a stool test that looks for DNA changes that are associated with polyps or cancer.

The best screening method for you will depend on your individual risk factors for colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults aged 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer every 10 years. The decision to be screened between ages 76 and 85 should be made on an individual basis.

If you have any risk factors for colorectal cancer, such as a family history of the disease, you may need to start screening earlier or be screened more often.

Here are some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer:

Age: The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age.
Family history: If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you are at increased risk of developing the disease.
Personal history: If you have had polyps in your colon, you are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Inflammatory bowel disease: People with inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Race: African Americans are more likely to develop colorectal cancer than Caucasians.
Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for many types of cancer, including colorectal cancer.
Sedentary lifestyle: People who are inactive are more likely to develop colorectal cancer than people who are active.
Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for many types of cancer, including colorectal cancer.

If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your doctor about screening for colorectal cancer. Early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer can improve your chances of survival.

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