Other Tests for Colon Cancer

There are several tests for colon cancer. While colonoscopy is the most effective,
and the only one that prevents cancer, any test is much better than none!
Positive results from any other test should always be followed up with colonoscopy.

A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is done at home. It is an acceptable test for
people who are not at high risk for colon cancer. You smear some stool on a card
on 3 separate days, and send it to a doctor or laboratory. The laboratorychecks
for hidden (occult) blood. FOBT should be done every year.

Sigmoidoscopy is similar to colonoscopy – with several differences. The doctor
looks at less than half of the colon. Because sigmoidoscopy does not remove polys,
it can't prevent cancer like colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy should be done every 5 years.

A barium enema X-ray uses a chalky substance given as an enema, followed by
a series of X-rays. This test should be done every 5 years. Other tests for colon cancer
are being studied to see how effective they are. One uses a C.T. scanner to X-ray the
colon ("virtual" colonoscopy). As new tests come along, your doctor can tell you if any
of them might be right for you.