Colorectal Cancer Screening
Screening is the process of looking for cancer or polyps in people who have no symptoms. Colorectal cancer screening for men and women aged 50 to 75 is reccomended by The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Tests that are used to find polyps look at the structure of the colon to find any abnormalities. This screening is done either with a scope put into the rectum or with special imaging (x-ray) tests. Polyps found during these tests can be removed before they become cancerous, so these tests may prevent colorectal cancer.
Tests that are used to find cancer check the stool (feces) for signs of cancer, so these tests are less invasive and easier to have done. However, they are less likely to detect polyps.
