Medical Health Encyclopedia

Colon cancer screening

There is insufficient evidence to determine which screening method is best. The colonoscopy is the most thorough, but it takes longer, requires sedation, is slightly riskier (rarely, the bowel can be perforated), and much more expensive than a sigmoidoscopy.

People with certain digestive diseases (such as ulcerative colitis) or a family history of colon cancer may need earlier and more frequent testing. See stool screening for bowel cancer and stool guaiac test.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Text Continues Below