Colon Cancer Essay
Why am I having this test?
Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women. Testing for colon cancer before symptoms develop (screening) reduces your risk for this cancer. Stool DNA testing, also called the FIT-DNA test, is one method of screening for colon cancer. Colon cancer grows slowly, so finding the cancer early means a better chance for effective treatment.
Colon cancer screening is recommended for everyone who is 50–85 years old. Your health care provider may recommend having this test every 3 years if:
You are age 50 to 85.
You have no symptoms of colon cancer. Symptoms include rectal bleeding, weight loss, and changes in bowel habits.
You have an average risk of colon cancer. Average risk means you do not have …show more content…
For the test, your stool sample is checked for blood and changes in DNA that could lead to cancer. Growths in your colon that are cancerous or may become cancerous (precancerous polyps) bleed and shed cells. Blood and cells can be picked up by stool as it passes through your colon. This test checks for blood cells as well as nine types of DNA (biomarkers) in three genes that have been linked to colon cancer and precancerous polyps.
What kind of sample is taken?
This test uses a stool sample that is collected when you have a bowel movement.
How do I collect samples at home?
You will be sent a stool sample collection kit in the mail. It will include instructions and everything you need to get the sample. Instructions may include:
Store the kit in a dry place at room temperature until you are ready to collect the sample. Keep the kit away from heat and sunlight.
To collect the sample, place the collection device over the toilet.
Collect the sample according to the instructions that came with your kit.
After collecting a stool sample, follow instructions carefully regarding mixing the stool with a preservative and sealing the sample.
Send the sample to the lab in the postage-paid box included in the
Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women. Testing for colon cancer before symptoms develop (screening) reduces your risk for this cancer. Stool DNA testing, also called the FIT-DNA test, is one method of screening for colon cancer. Colon cancer grows slowly, so finding the cancer early means a better chance for effective treatment.
Colon cancer screening is recommended for everyone who is 50–85 years old. Your health care provider may recommend having this test every 3 years if:
You are age 50 to 85.
You have no symptoms of colon cancer. Symptoms include rectal bleeding, weight loss, and changes in bowel habits.
You have an average risk of colon cancer. Average risk means you do not have …show more content…
For the test, your stool sample is checked for blood and changes in DNA that could lead to cancer. Growths in your colon that are cancerous or may become cancerous (precancerous polyps) bleed and shed cells. Blood and cells can be picked up by stool as it passes through your colon. This test checks for blood cells as well as nine types of DNA (biomarkers) in three genes that have been linked to colon cancer and precancerous polyps.
What kind of sample is taken?
This test uses a stool sample that is collected when you have a bowel movement.
How do I collect samples at home?
You will be sent a stool sample collection kit in the mail. It will include instructions and everything you need to get the sample. Instructions may include:
Store the kit in a dry place at room temperature until you are ready to collect the sample. Keep the kit away from heat and sunlight.
To collect the sample, place the collection device over the toilet.
Collect the sample according to the instructions that came with your kit.
After collecting a stool sample, follow instructions carefully regarding mixing the stool with a preservative and sealing the sample.
Send the sample to the lab in the postage-paid box included in the