What are the ways to screen for colorectal cancer?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Le Thien Quang - Internal Oncologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital
Colorectal cancer is one of the five most common cancers in the world. In men, colorectal cancer is second only to lung cancer and prostate cancer, and in women, colorectal cancer is second only to breast cancer. Therefore, periodic colorectal cancer screening is a necessary job to ensure the health of each of us.

1. What is colorectal cancer?

The rectum belongs to the lower part of the alimentary canal, also known as the lower gastrointestinal tract. The colon includes the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon and sigmoid colon (sigmoid colon), the part of the colon adjacent to the liver is called the hepatic flexure, the part of the colon that is adjacent to the spleen called the splenic flexure colon.
Colorectal cancer tends to increase gradually with quality of life and changes in eating habits. In Vietnam, colorectal cancer is one of the five most common cancers.

2. How important is colorectal cancer screening?

Due to its prevalence and high mortality rate, early colorectal cancer screening will greatly benefit patients as well as play a vital role in saving patients' lives. When colorectal cancer is detected and treated early, the outcome is very good. The 5-year survival rate of patients is very high: over 90%, in which many patients have a longer survival time of more than 10 years.
In case the patient is diagnosed and treated for colorectal cancer at a late stage, the cancer has metastasized, the 5-year survival rate of the patient drops to only 10%. Therefore, colorectal cancer screening and early diagnosis are very meaningful for patients, families and society.

3. Methods of colorectal cancer screening

The development of science and technology has promoted the development of medicine, the techniques applied to colorectal cancer screening at an early stage are increasingly being perfected. Screening for colorectal cancer at an early stage is done by screening tests, divided into two main groups: stool tests and tests of colorectal structure.

3.1. stool test

Test for red blood cells, detect blood in stool Molecular test (DNA analysis).

3.2. Structural morphology tests

Includes 2 groups of techniques:
Endoscopic techniques: Flexible bronchoscope Wireless endoscopy (capsule endoscopy) Group of diagnostic imaging techniques: X-ray with contrast (dual-contrast technique) ) Computed tomography of the colon Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. For current testing techniques, each type of test has its own advantages, disadvantages and limitations, if only a single technique is applied, even if the technique is perfect and the doctor has professional qualifications, There is still a certain percentage of colorectal cancer missed, especially early-stage cancer. Therefore, when performing colorectal cancer screening, doctors recommend combining multiple laboratory and imaging methods together.

4. When to screen for colorectal cancer?

According to the recommendation from the American Cancer Society: people in their 30s, both men and women, especially those in the family with a close relative with colorectal cancer, should have colonoscopy every 5 years colon/time, if colon polyps are detected, they need to be removed to prevent cancer.
In addition, every year, we should do a stool test for red blood cells in the stool (by taking 2 stool samples at 2 times and sending to the hospital). If a positive test indicates microscopic red blood cells in the stool (the type of red blood cells that are invisible to the naked eye), a colonoscopy should be performed immediately as this could be a symptom of early colon cancer.

5. Where is colorectal cancer screening?

Colorectal cancer screening should be conducted at reputable facilities, ensuring both expertise and equipment, to ensure that the screening takes place safely and accurately.
Vinmec International General Hospital is implementing a Package of Screening and Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer, implemented by a team of experienced doctors and nurses in the field of colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment. colonoscopy, with the support of a system of modern technological equipment, a full range of specialized means to diagnose the disease and stage it before treatment such as: Endoscopy, CT scan, PET-CT scan, MRI, Mammogram, histopathological diagnosis, gene-cell testing, ... help detect colon cancer early even when there are no symptoms.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.
If you have a need for consultation and examination at Vinmec Hospitals under the national health system, please book an appointment on the website for service.

In April & May 2021, when there is a need for colorectal cancer examination and treatment at Vinmec Times City International Hospital & Vinmec Central Park International Hospital, customers will enjoy preferential treatment. Double offer:
- Free specialist examination and 50% discount on Colorectal Cancer Screening Package
- 50% discount on costs for customers with indications for post-examination treatment. The program is limited to the corresponding technique of each hospital and to customers who perform this treatment technique for the first time at Vinmec.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.