Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests

Clinical Interpretation

If your fecal occult blood test or stool DNA test had abnormal results , it doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer. But your provider will probably order more tests, such as a colonoscopy, to help make a diagnosis. Abnormal results for the other types of screening tests may include the following: Colonoscopy Colorectal polyps or abnormal tissue were found and removed. Samples were sent to a lab for testing. Most polyps aren't cancerous but can turn into cancer if not removed. Depending on the size and number of polyps, your provider may recommend more frequent colonoscopies. Sigmoidoscopy Colorectal polyps or abnormal tissue were found. They may or may not be removed depending on their location. Whether or not your polyps were removed, you will probably need a colonoscopy so your provider can view your entire colon and rectum. Virtual colonoscopy Colorectal polyps or abnormal tissue were seen on the CT scan. You may need a traditional colonoscopy so your provider can get a tissue sample. Sometimes this procedure can be done on the same day as your virtual colonoscopy. If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.

Clinical Protocol & Patient Advice

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  There are no special preparations needed for a FIT or stool DNA test. The typical preparations for other colorectal cancer screening tests are below. For a colonoscopy and virtual colonoscopy , you will need to do a bowel prep. Your provider will give you specific instructions on how to do your bowel prep, but steps for bowel prep may include: Following a liquid diet for one to three days before the test. Drinking plenty of clear liquids one to three days before the test. Clear liquids include water, black coffee or tea, fat-free broth, and sports drinks without added color. Avoid red or purple drinks or gelatin; the dye in those can look like blood in the colon. Drinking a strong liquid laxative (a medicine used to cause a bowel movement), taking laxative pills, and/or using an enema on the evening before your test. The laxative or enema will cause diarrhea. Be prepared to stay close to a bathroom. Bowel prep can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, but if the colon is not thoroughly cleaned out, your provider may not be able to get a complete picture of your colon and rectum. They might not be able to see if you have polyps and other abnormal areas. Also, you may need to stop taking certain medicines before these tests, so tell your provider about everything you take. But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to. For a sigmoidoscopy , before the test, you may need to: Follow a clear liquid diet one or more days before the procedure. This isn't always required, so be sure to talk to your provider before the test. You may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) on the morning of the procedure. You may need to take a laxative (a medicine used to cause a bowel movement) the night before the test. You should empty your bowels with an enema about one hour before the procedure. A second enema is sometimes needed. Also, you may need to stop taking certain medicines before these tests, so tell your provider about everything you take. But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to. For a g(FOBT) test, you may need to avoid the following foods and medicines for several days before your test: Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin Vitamin C daily from supplements, fruit juices, or fruit Certain vegetables, such as broccoli and turnips Red meat, such as beef, lamb, or pork Your provider will give you full instructions on how to prepare for your screening test.