Screening and prevention of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is preventable in 90% of cases through screening, a healthy diet and physical activity.

Because most colorectal cancer cases result from the evolution of benign polyps in cancerous polyps, regular screening is proving critical to early diagnosis and removal of polyps in the initial stages.

The Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada (ACCC) recommends a screening for people aged 50 and those who have not yet reached that age, but who have a family history of colorectal cancer.

Screening tests for colorectal cancer include:

• Looking for occult blood test (FOBT), it determines the presence of blood in the stool - index of potential precancerous polyps;
• Barium enema, it involves the injection into the colon of a liquid containing barium, then x-rays to locate polyps or tumors;
•  The flexible sigmoidoscopy, it examines the rectum and lower colon through a flexible tube, flexible, with a light to detect or rule out polyps or tumors;
• Colonoscopy, it uses a thin flexible tube, equipped with fiber optic light some lead and others return an image, this tube is as flexible as the sigmoidoscope but longer. Colonoscopy is the screening method of choice that allows a doctor to examine the entire colon - and ablate polyps found there, thus avoiding the occurrence of colorectal cancer.