Q: Which doctor should I visit for screening for colorectal cancer?
A: You should visit your general physician or gastroenterologist for the screening test.
Q: Which test should I opt for screening for colorectal cancer?
A: The choice of screening test depends on a number of factors. First of all, the test should be available in your area. Secondly, it depends on your personal preference. Before deciding, you should also consider which test will diagnose your condition better – for example, a stool test may be very easy to perform, but its accuracy is much less than that of a colonoscopy.
Q: Why should a fecal occult blood test be done yearly whereas a colonoscopy every 10 years?
A: A fecal occult blood test is not as sensitive as a colonoscopy to detect colorectal cancers. A fecal occult blood test comes positive only if there is bleeding from the polyp or cancer, which occurs intermittently. On the other hand, a colonoscopy involves a complete direct examination of the lining of the colon and rectum. Hence, a fecal occult blood test should be done more often than a colonoscopy.
