The first step in catching colorectal cancer early. The Cancer Society recommends that men and women age 50 and older have a digital rectal exam as part of the following schedule of colorectal cancer tests. Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years, plus a digital rectal exam, or Colonoscopy every ten years, plus a digital rectal exam, or Double contrast barium enema every five to ten years, plus a digital rectal exam. In addition, the society recommends a yearly faecal occult blood test. If you are at risk for colon cancer, consult your doctor in order to develop a schedule for testing based on your individual medical history.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers—and one of the most deadly. If caught early enough, many cases can be cured. But while tests to screen for the disease exist, many people avoid them because they are embarrassed to ask about them and the tests are somewhat uncomfortable.
This exam is done before a sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or barium enema. While you’re lying on your side, your doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any type of growth. This test isn’t painful, and the lubrication makes the others tests easier. Because latex gloves are used, you should let your doctor know if you have a latex allergy. (Health care workers trained to detect prostate cancer usually do a digital rectal exam for prostate cancer while a man is bending over.)
If polyps are found, further testing will be done. To properly diagnose the problem, your doctor may order other colorectal cancer tests.
