Colon Cancer Facts

How is Colon Cancer Diagnosed?

Digital Rectal Exam— A doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum. It is used as the first method of detection for rectal cancer.

Guiac Test/Hemoccult— A test to see if there is hidden blood in the stool. A positive result may be a sign of cancer.

Colonoscopy— A tube that looks in the rectum and entire colon by using a long fiber optic telescope that is lighted and flexible. It may reveal polyps, cancer, colitis and diverticulosis. Tissue can be removed for a doctor to look at under a microscope to make a diagnosis. May require sedation. Requires laxatives to clean the bowel.

Sigmoidoscopy— An examination of the rectum and lower colon with a hollow lighted tube. It is used to find colon polyps and cancer, to find the cause of bleeding. Tissue can be removed for a doctor to look at under a microscope to make a diagnosis. Requires laxatives to clean the bowel.

Barium enema— X-ray of the entire lower bowel using barium solution which is given through the rectum. This test can find polyps, cancer, colitis, and diverticulosis. Laxative and regular enemas are used to clean the bowel.

CT Scan— A CT (computerized tomography) scan creates cross section images of the body, which may show cancer or its spread to other organs.

CEA— Carcinogenic embryonic antigen is a tumor marker in the blood that may indicate the presence of certain types of cancer cells. It is often high in some people with colon cancer.

Liver Function Tests (LFT)— A group of blood tests that measures enzymes and proteins that give an indication of the health of the liver.