Colon cancer screening test - gastroenterologist in Mashhad Dr. Mehdi Afzal Aghaei
When should we start colorectal cancer screening?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has guidelines for colorectal cancer screening and recommends that people at moderate risk of colon cancer begin screening at age 45 . In this guideline update, the ACS has lowered the starting age for screening because studies show that rates of colon cancer in people under 50 are increasing. ACS experts have recognized that screening from age 45 can help save more lives.
People at risk of colon cancer may need to be screened before age 45. They may also need other screenings or special tests. Those who are most at risk are those who:
- Strong family historyof colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- Personal historyColorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease(ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)
- Family history of an inherited syndromesuch as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome
- History of radiotherapy to the abdomen or pelvis for previous cancer treatment
People who think or know they are at risk for colon cancer should talk to their doctor. A specialist doctor can help you choose the best option and the best screening program. If your screening appointments have been rescheduled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, talk to your doctor about what you can do to safely resume these important tests.
Study proposal: gall bladder laparoscopy
Screening recommendations for people at moderate risk for colorectal cancer
- Persons at moderate risk should start regular screening at age 45.
- People who are healthy and expect to live at least 10 years longer should be screened regularly until the age of 75years.
- 76 to 85 years should consult a doctor and decide whether to continue screening or not. This decision is based on personal preferences, previous screening results, general health of the person.
- People over 85 years should no longer be screened for colon cancer.
Colon Cancer Screening
If Lynch syndrome is suspected, a sample of malignant bowel tissue should be obtained and the rectum should be histologically evaluated for IHC and MSI 2. If there is no access to malignant tissue, it is recommended to carry out genetic tests in the serum of the affected person. After Lynch syndrome is confirmed in a patient, his relatives should undergo colonoscopy at intervals of one to two years. Colonoscopy is started in relatives from the age of 20 to 25, 10 years younger than the age of the cancer patient. In addition, the patient and his relatives should undergo genetic counseling and additional tests .
It should be noted that some colon cancers are hereditary and family and genetic factors They play a role in their development. Therefore, consulting and drawing a family tree and, if necessary, performing genetic tests can be a guide for other family members in preventing colon cancer.
Colon cancer is a malignant and common and silent but preventable cancer and early diagnosis has a significant effect on its complete treatment .

Types of colorectal cancer screening tests
There are different types ofcolorectal cancer screening and there are differences between them. Regular screening is important. It does not matter which test you choose and it is determined by the opinion of the doctor and the condition of the patient.
Stool-based tests:
- high sensitivity fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year
- Gaiac based high sensitivity (gFOBT) every year
- DNA test (MT-sDNA) every 3 years
Video tests:
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
- CT colonoscopy (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy (FSIG) every 5 years
Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you. You should also check with your insurance to pay for each test. These screening tests must be performed at recommended intervals to be effective. If you choose a test other than a colonoscopy, any abnormal test results should be followed up with a colonoscopy to determine whether you have cancer. Mashhad* Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Viber Share by email
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