Screening Tools for Colon Cancer Essay

Sigmoidoscopy

Screening using sigmoidoscopy usually results in minimal discomfort as it's quick, biopsy is possible in some cases and cleansing of the colon is not detailed while on the other hand it's disadvantageous in that only the lower colon and the rectum is viewed, minimal risk of perforating the lining of the colon and other procedures maybe required if problems are detected Services, 2011()

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy allows for the viewing of the whole colon and rectum plus performance of biopsies is also possible while the risks of perforation are present, the patient in most cases is sedated, colon cleansing is necessary and not all tumors may be detected. Virtual colonoscopy just like colonoscopy allows for the viewing of the rectum and entire colon and there is no risk of tearing the colon since there is no insertion of instruments Services, 2011.

The test may however not detect all tumors, require thorough cleansing of the colon and other procedures maybe required for efficiency. DCBE requires no sedation, the rectum and entire colon is viewed and complications are rare while the disadvantages are similar to fecal occult blood test.

Conclusion

In the event of screening detecting any abnormality in the lining of the colon and the rectum, biopsy is carried out to determine if cancer is present.Considering all the advantages and disadvantages of the various tools used for screening, colonoscopy is the current and most sensitive tool used in screening for early detection of colorectal cancer and is at the same time highly cost effective. Research is still being conducted so as to have a type of test that can accurately detect the cancer even in people without symptoms.

References

Fraser-Hill, M.W., Cynthia;Seppala, Rik;Tao, Hardy;Stein, Lawrence. (2008). Computed Tomography Colonography: The Future of Colon Cancer Screening. Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal.

Jennifer J. Telford MD, a.R.L.P., Jennifer C. Sambrook MSc, Denise Zou MSc, Robert a. Enns MD. (2010). The cost-effectiveness of screening for colorectal cancer. Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Services, U.S.D. o. H. a. H. (2011). Colorectal Cancer Screening. National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet......