Screening for colorectal cancer in people at average risk
Written by Mystic on Monday, August 04, 2008Population screening is the examination of large numbers of healthy people to detect early disease before there are any symptoms. Finding a cancer early usually means that there is a greater chance of successful treatment and cure. Therefore there is presently a great deal of interest in screening for colorectal cancer.
Although there is currently not a statewide or national programme, screening for colorectal cancer is considered beneficial after the age of 50. People who have no symptoms or no family history of colorectal cancer and who are over the age of 50 are advised to have a screening test. An annual FOBT test is recommended. Studies have shown that a sigmoidoscopy need only be performed every 5 years.
If there is a positive result from a screening, further tests will be needed to determine if cancer is present.
