There are several methods available for screening for colorectal cancer, including in-office testing performed by doctors, and home-based tests. Although over 75% of primary care physicians in the United States who order colorectal screening perform an in-office test, recent studies have shown that home-based tests are actually more accurate.
After lung cancer, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, claiming over 53,000 lives in 2006. Effective screening can find precancerous polyps that can be removed to prevent the onset of cancer.
Previous studies have shown that in-office digital rectal examinations, which include stool sample collection, actually miss 95% of cancers and polyps that may lead to cancer. Marion Nadel, Ph.D., of the Center for Disease Control's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, explains that fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) are an extremely important screening method for colorectal cancer, but it is the high-sensitivity home tests that should be performed on an annual basis to ensure accuracy. In-office tests are not recommended.
A recent study reported that 25% of doctors screened use in-office FOBTs exclusively, while 53% use home-based tests in conjunction with in-office tests. Unfortunately, a very low percentage of doctors use the more accurate high-sensitivity tests instead of the standard, less effective tests.
Thankfully, 93% of physicians use colonoscopy to follow up positive FOBTs. Colorectal cancer screening is relatively inexpensive and easily accessible, so it is highly recommended that both men and women 50 years of age and older consider the benefits and get screened annually.
