How and how is colorectal cancer screened?

Screening test (English name is screening test) is used to find disease in people who have no symptoms of the disease. When a person has symptoms, diagnostic tests are used to find the cause of those symptoms.
Colorectal cancer usually develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into actual cancer. Screening tests can also detect colorectal cancer early, so the best results are achieved when the disease is detected early.

Screening is the process of finding cancer in people who have no symptoms. Several tests may be used to screen for colorectal cancer. The most important thing is to get screened, no matter which test you choose.
Tests used to screen for colorectal cancer can be divided into 2 main groups:
Stool tests: These tests check the stool for signs of cancer. These tests are less invasive and easier to do, but need to be done more often. Imaging (structural) exams: These diagnostic techniques look at the structure of the colon and rectum for any abnormal areas. Often these techniques are done with a laparoscope (a tube-shaped instrument with a small, light video camera on the end) inserted into the rectum or other imaging techniques (x-rays).

Each diagnostic test or technique has different risks and benefits, and some may be a better choice for you than others.
Commonly used diagnostic tests or techniques to screen for colorectal cancer are as follows:
Colonoscopy . A colonoscopy allows the doctor to see inside the entire rectum and colon while the patient is sedated. A flexible tube with a light and camera called a colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and entire colon to look for tumors or cancer. During the procedure, your doctor may remove polyps or other tissue for examination (biopsy). Removing polyps can also prevent colorectal cancer. Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. CT colonoscopy, sometimes called virtual colonoscopy, is a screening method being studied in several centers. This technique requires a skilled radiologist to provide the best patient results. However, a CT colonoscopy may be an alternative for people who cannot have a colonoscopy due to the risk of side effects from the anesthetic. Sigma colonoscopy. This colonoscopy technique uses a flexible tube with a light and camera that is inserted into the rectum and lower colon to check for polyps, cancer, and other abnormalities. During the procedure, your doctor may remove polyps or other tissue for a separate test. The doctor cannot examine the upper part of the colon, ascending colon, and transverse colon with this endoscopic technique. This screening test allows polyps to be removed, which can also prevent colorectal cancer, but if polyps or cancer are found through this technique, a colonoscopy should be performed to see the whole. colon. Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and stool immunohistochemistry (FIT). The fecal occult blood test is used to look for blood in the stool, which can be a sign of polyps or cancer. A positive test, meaning blood is found in the stool, can be caused by causes other than colon polyps or cancer, including bleeding in the stomach or upper digestive tract and even eating raw meat or other types of food. other food. There are 2 types of tests: the guaiac test (FOBT) and the immunochemical test (FIT). Polyps and cancers do not bleed continuously, so FOBT should be performed on several stool samples each year and should be repeated annually. Even then, this screening test reduces the number of deaths from colorectal cancer by about 30% if done every year and 18% if done every year. Double-contrast barium enema (Double-contrast barium enema). For patients who are unable to have a colonoscopy, a barium enema will be given to help clarify the colon and rectum on X-rays. In general, most doctors will order other screening tests because barium enema is less likely to detect precancerous polyps than colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or CT colonography. Stool DNA test. This test analyzes DNA from a person's stool sample to look for cancer. This technique uses changes in DNA that occur in polyps and cancers to find out whether a colonoscopy should be performed.

For people at average risk
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer begin regular screening at age 45. This can be done with a highly sensitive test to look for signs of cancer in your stool (feces-based test) or a look at the colon and rectum (visual inspection).
People who are in good health and whose life expectancy is expected to last more than 10 years should continue to have routine colorectal cancer screening until age 75.
For people aged 76 to 85, the decision to screen should be based on preference, life expectancy, overall health, and previous screening history.
People over 85 should no longer be screened for colorectal cancer.
For screening, people are considered at average risk if they do not have:
History of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps Family history of colorectal cancer History of inflammatory bowel disease ( ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer). Polyps or HNPCC) History of prior radiation to the abdomen or pelvis for cancer treatment For people at high risk
People at increased or high risk of colorectal cancer may need Start colorectal cancer screening before age 45, get screened more often, and/or do specific tests. Those in high-risk groups include:
Family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps History of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps History of inflammatory bowel disease ( ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease Family history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary colorectal cancer) transmission not due to polyps or HNPCC) History of prior abdominal or pelvic radiation for cancer The American Cancer Society does not have specific screening guidelines for people at high risk for colorectal cancer colon. However, a number of other professional health organizations offer guidelines. However, these guidelines are complex and should preferably be reviewed with your healthcare provider.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the US. About 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will develop colon or rectal cancer at some point in their lives. But there are things you can do to help reduce your risk. Here are 6 ways to help you protect your colon health:
Colorectal cancer screening. Screening is tests that find cancer before signs and symptoms develop. A colorectal exam can often find tumors on the colon or rectum called polyps, and polyps can be removed before they turn cancerous. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Diets that include lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains have been linked to a reduced risk of colon or rectal cancer. Eating less red meat (beef, pork, or lamb) and processed meat (sausages and some canned meats), is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Exercise regularly. If you are not physically active, you may be more likely to get colon or rectal cancer. Being active can help reduce your risk of disease. Monitor your weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of getting and dying from colon or rectal cancer. Eating healthier and increasing physical activity can help you manage your weight. No smoking. Long-time smokers are more likely to get and die from colon or rectal cancer than non-smokers. Limit alcohol. Alcohol use is associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. One drink is equivalent to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 11⁄2 ounces of spirits. Research shows that habits related to diet, weight, and exercise are associated with colorectal cancer risk, and these associations are stronger than with other types of cancer. Changing some of these lifestyle habits can be difficult. But making changes can also reduce your risk of many other types of cancer, as well as other serious illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.
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References: cancer.net, cancer.org