Colorectal Cancer

Screening and Diagnosis

Sentara physicians strongly believe in colon and rectal cancer screenings. In the U.S., colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

However, with screening and early diagnosis, it can be prevented and cured. While no one knows the exact causes of colorectal cancer, there are several known risk factors, including age and family history.

If any of the statements below apply to you, talk to your doctor about colon and rectal screenings. 

  • I have a family history of colon cancer in a first degree relative (parents, brother, sister or child).
  • I’m 45 years old and I’m African American.
  • I’m 50 years or better and have not had a colonoscopy.
  • I have had a colonoscopy, but I’m not sure when to get the next one.

Common screenings we offer:

  • Physical Exam and History

    An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including looking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.

  • Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

    A test to check stool (solid waste) for tiny amounts of blood. Sometimes cancers or polyps can bleed, causing microscopic amounts of blood in the stool. If this test detects blood, other tests are needed to find the source. Other conditions (such as hemorrhoids) can also cause blood in the stool.

  • Digital Rectal Exam

    An exam of the rectum, normally part of a routine physical. The doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for lumps or anything abnormal.

  • Barium Enema

    A series of X-rays of the lower gastrointestinal tract. A liquid that contains barium (a silver-white metallic compound) is put into the rectum. The barium coats the lower gastrointestinal tract and X-rays are taken. This procedure is also called a lower GI series.

  • Sigmoidoscopy

    A procedure to look inside the rectum and sigmoid (lower) colon for polyps, abnormal areas or cancer. A sigmoidoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through the rectum into the sigmoid colon. Polyps or tissue samples may be taken for biopsy.

  • Colonoscopy

    A procedure to look inside the rectum and colon for polyps, abnormal areas or cancer. A colonoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through the rectum into the colon. Polyps or tissue samples may be taken for biopsy. A colonoscopy is considered the most reliable test for detection and removal of growths that lead to colon cancer.

  • Imaging

    Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) are all advanced technologies often used to pinpoint cancerous tissue.

Sentara in the Community