Early Colon Cancer Screening Can Save Lives
The two main types of colon cancer screening tests are stool-based tests and endoscopic exams. Stool-based tests look for hidden blood in your stool that could indicate the presence of polyps or tumors in your large intestine. These tests include a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and a fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
FOBT takes samples from multiple bowel movements over several days while FIT looks for specific proteins associated with colorectal cancers. Both can provide accurate results when performed correctly, but they do have some limitations as they may miss some abnormal growths or precancerous lesions due to sampling error.
Endoscopic exams involve looking inside your large intestine to get a clearer view of any potential abnormalities that may be present such as polyps or tumors. Endoscopies typically use a thin tube with an attached camera that allows doctors to examine areas within the body more closely than traditional imaging techniques such as X-rays or CT scans would allow them to do on their own.
Examples include sigmoidoscopy, which examines only the lower portion of the large intestine; colonoscopy, which looks at all sections; and virtual colonoscopy where images from CT scans are used instead of an actual scope insertion into your body.
No matter what type you choose, getting screened regularly is important because it increases your chances of catching any potentially dangerous changes early on before they become more serious issues down the line and even saving lives!
The American Cancer Society recommends people aged 45 to 75 get screened regularly depending on their risk factors and family history; however, younger adults should also talk with their doctor about getting tested if they feel like they should be screened earlier based on personal factors like lifestyle choices or family medical history related to colorectal cancers.
Overall, early detection through routine screening plays a major role in reducing deaths due to colon cancer by allowing doctors time enough time to treat any suspicious findings before things become worse overall health-wise for you so make sure you talk with your healthcare provider about when might be best for you to start regular screenings!