Colon and rectal cancer screening
What happens after my test?
If you get a positive result from any of these screening tests, it might make you very anxious. But a positive test doesn't mean you definitely have cancer. You will need more tests to check for cancer cells.
You'll be sent for a colonoscopy test if you get a positive result from any of these tests:
1
Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Colorectal cancer screening.
July 2008. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/colorectalcancer (accessed on 10 December 2008).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Colorectal cancer screening.
July 2008. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/colorectalcancer (accessed on 10 December 2008).
- Digital rectal examination
- Fecal occult blood test or fecal immunochemical test
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Double-contrast barium enema
- Computed tomography colography.
If the colonoscopy test finds any polyps, these can be removed during the test. Having polyps doesn't mean you have cancer
now, or that you will get it later. But colon and rectal cancer usually start with polyps. So you should be screened more
regularly from now on.
If the colonoscopy test finds any abnormal-looking areas in the bowel, the doctor will remove a small piece of tissue during
the test. Doctors call this taking a
biopsy.
biopsy
Biopsy is when doctors remove some tissue from a part of your body, so that it can be examined under a microscope.
Biopsy is when doctors remove some tissue from a part of your body, so that it can be examined under a microscope.
This tissue is then sent to a laboratory, where it is examined under a microscope that can show up cancer cells.
If the examination finds cancer cells, you will be referred to a doctor who specializes in colon and rectal cancer.
The doctor will need to do some further tests to find out how big the cancer is and whether it has spread. This will help
him or her plan the best treatment for you.
2
Source:
National Cancer Institute.
What you need to know about cancer of the colon and rectum: staging.
May 2006. Available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/colon-and-rectum (accessed on 10 December 2008).
National Cancer Institute.
What you need to know about cancer of the colon and rectum: staging.
May 2006. Available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/colon-and-rectum (accessed on 10 December 2008).
The main treatments for colon and rectal cancer are surgery, radiation therapy and treatment with anti-cancer drugs (chemotherapy).
2 To find out more about how these cancers are diagnosed and treated, see our pages about Colon and rectal cancer.
Source:
National Cancer Institute.
What you need to know about cancer of the colon and rectum: staging.
May 2006. Available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/colon-and-rectum (accessed on 10 December 2008).
National Cancer Institute.
What you need to know about cancer of the colon and rectum: staging.
May 2006. Available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/colon-and-rectum (accessed on 10 December 2008).
If you have a negative result from your test, it means the test did not find any signs of cancer. This is reassuring. But
remember that no test is 100 percent accurate.
You should still see your doctor if you have any symptoms that could mean colon and rectal cancer. These include:
3
Source:
NHS Cancer Screening Programmes.
NHS bowel cancer screening programme.
Available at http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/bowel/index.html (accessed on 10 December 2008).
NHS Cancer Screening Programmes.
NHS bowel cancer screening programme.
Available at http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/bowel/index.html (accessed on 10 December 2008).
- Repeated bleeding from your anus
- Seeing blood in your stools
- A change in your bowel habits that lasts for more than six weeks. This could be loose stools and needing to go to the bathroom more often, or bad constipation
- Bad pain in your belly
- Unexplained weight loss or severe tiredness.
Sources for the information on this page:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Colorectal cancer screening.July 2008. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/colorectalcancer (accessed on 10 December 2008).
- National Cancer Institute.What you need to know about cancer of the colon and rectum: staging.May 2006. Available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/colon-and-rectum (accessed on 10 December 2008).
- NHS Cancer Screening Programmes.NHS bowel cancer screening programme.Available at http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/bowel/index.html (accessed on 10 December 2008).
This information was last updated on Jan 09, 2009
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
The information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org should not be viewed as a substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional.
The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.
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Source: ConsumerReportsHealth.org Copyright © 2005-2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
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