Colorectal Cancer Screening | Liv Hospital
-
What is Colorectal Cancer Screening?
-
Recommended Age and Frequency for Screening
-
Types of Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests Available at Liv Hospital
-
Comparing Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests
-
Preparing for Your Colorectal Cancer Screening Test
-
Why International Patients Choose Turkey for Healthcare
-
Colorectal Cancer Screening Excellence at Liv Hospital
What is Colorectal Cancer Screening?
Colorectal cancer screening refers to a range of medical tests designed to detect early signs of cancer or precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. These screenings are vital because colorectal cancer often develops silently, offering little to no symptoms in the early stages. By identifying abnormalities sooner, screening enables early treatment—often with less invasive options and better outcomes.
Understanding the Importance of Early Detection
Early detection dramatically improves survival rates. According to global data, the 5‑year survival rate for colorectal cancer caught in its earliest phase exceeds 90%. Screening helps find not only cancer but also precancerous growths, preventing disease before it develops.
Who Needs Colorectal Cancer Screening?
General guidelines recommend that adults aged 45 to 75 undergo routine colorectal cancer screening. However, individuals with certain risk factors—including a family history of CRC, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome, or a personal history of polyps or cancer—may need earlier or more frequent screening.
Recommended Age and Frequency for Screening
General Screening Recommendations
Ages 45–75: Routine screening for average-risk individuals.
Over 75: Discussion of screening benefits versus risks should guide decision-making.
Under 45: Screening is often recommended for those with risk factors or symptoms.
When Should You Start Colorectal Cancer Screening?
Begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45 for individuals at average risk. For those with family history (e.g., a first-degree relative diagnosed before 60), screening may begin 10 years before the age at diagnosis but no later than age 40.
How Often Should You Be Screened?
The frequency of colorectal cancer screening varies depending on the test type. Here's a breakdown:
Colonoscopy: Every 10 years if no abnormalities are found.
FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test): Once a year.
gFOBT (Guaiac Fecal Occult Blood Test): Once a year.
Stool DNA Test: Every 1 to 3 years.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Every 5 years (or every 10 years if combined with annual FIT).
CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): Every 5 years.
Special Considerations: Increased Risk Factors
A personal history of IBD, family history of CRC, or known genetic syndromes may require colonoscopies every 1–5 years. Your healthcare provider adjusts the plan based on individual risk.
Types of Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests Available at Liv Hospital
Stool-Based Tests Explained
Stool-based tests analyze your bowel movements for signs of cancer or polyps. They are non-invasive and can be done at home.
FIT Test
Fit test for colorectal cancer screening detects hidden blood in stool, which can be an early indicator of cancer. If positive, a diagnostic colonoscopy usually follows.
gFOBT Test
The Guaiac-based Fecal Occult Blood Test is a traditional method to detect blood in stool. Multiple samples over consecutive days increase accuracy.
Stool DNA Test
This advanced test identifies abnormal DNA from cancer or polyp cells shed into stool. It’s more sensitive but also more expensive and recommended every 1–3 years.
Visual Examination Tests
Colonoscopy: The Gold Standard
A colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer involves an endoscopic examination of the entire colon and rectum. It allows for direct visualization and removal of polyps during the same procedure.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
This test examines the lower part of the colon and is less comprehensive than colonoscopy. It’s often combined with annual FIT.
CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)
A virtual colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer uses low-dose CT scans to create images of the colon. It’s non-invasive but requires bowel preparation similar to colonoscopy and may require follow-up tests if abnormalities are detected.
Emerging Blood-Based Screening Tests
New research is focused on blood-based biomarker tests. While promising, these are not yet widely adopted in clinical practice and are typically offered in specialized centers.
Comparing Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests
Accuracy of Different Screening Methods
Colonoscopy is the most accurate for detecting cancer and precancerous lesions.
Stool DNA tests are highly sensitive but less widely accessible.
FIT/gFOBT offer reasonable sensitivity at a lower cost.
Virtual colonoscopy is more accurate than stool tests but cannot remove polyps during the scan.
Benefits and Limitations of Each Test Type
1. Colonoscopy
Benefits:
- Directly visualizes the entire colon and rectum.
- Allows for biopsy or polyp removal during the same procedure.
Long screening interval (every 10 years if normal).
Limitations:
- Invasive; requires bowel preparation and sedation.
- Small risk of bleeding or perforation.
Recovery time may be needed.
2. FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test)
Benefits:
- Non-invasive and simple to use at home.
- Requires no dietary restrictions.
Effective at detecting hidden blood in the stool.
Limitations:
- Needs to be done annually.
- May miss polyps or cancers that are not bleeding.
3. gFOBT (Guaiac Fecal Occult Blood Test)
Benefits:
- Inexpensive and widely available.
- Can be done at home.
Limitations:
- Requires dietary restrictions before the test.
- Lower sensitivity compared to FIT.
Must be repeated yearly.
4. Stool DNA Test (e.g., Cologuard)
Benefits:
- Detects both blood and altered DNA in stool.
- High sensitivity for colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas.
Done at home with no preparation required.
Limitations:
- Needs to be repeated every 1 to 3 years.
- Higher cost than FIT or gFOBT.
False positives may lead to unnecessary colonoscopies.
5. CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)
Benefits:
- Non-invasive and quick procedure.
- No need for sedation.
Limitations:
- Still requires bowel preparation.
- Cannot remove polyps if found (follow-up colonoscopy required).
May detect unrelated findings (incidentalomas) that require further testing.
6. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Benefits:
- Less invasive than full colonoscopy.
- Quick recovery.
Limitations:
- Only examines lower part of the colon.
- May miss polyps or cancer in the upper colon.
Typically combined with FIT for full effectiveness.
Potential Harms or Discomforts Associated with Screening
Colonoscopy: Rare risks include bleeding or perforation. Bowel prep can be inconvenient.
Stool tests: No procedural risks but require sample collection.
Virtual colonoscopy: Uses radiation; may detect benign findings requiring further testing.
Preparing for Your Colorectal Cancer Screening Test
How to Prepare for a Stool-Based Test
Receive kit from hospital or clinic
Collect sample per instructions (usually one stool)
Return it to the lab within specified timeframe
Preparing for a Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy
Follow a clear liquid diet 24 hours prior
Take prescribed bowel-cleansing medication
Arrange transportation post-sedation
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
During: Sedation is administered. Colonoscopy takes 20–30 minutes; flexible sigmoidoscopy less.
After: Rest until sedation wears off; minor bloating or cramping may occur.
If polyps are removed, tissue is sent for pathology.
Understanding Your Screening Results
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative test suggests no cancer or suspicious lesions were found. Depending on the test type—colonoscopy every 10 years or annual stool tests—your next screening will be scheduled.
What Happens if Polyps Are Found?
Most polyps are benign, but their removal reduces the chance of cancer. Pathology determines their type and future screening schedule.
Next Steps After a Positive Screening Test
A positive FIT, stool DNA, or suspicious lesion on colonoscopy leads to a diagnostic colonoscopy (if not initially done), biopsies, and possibly a personalized follow-up and treatment plan.
Why International Patients Choose Turkey for Healthcare
Advantages of Medical Procedures in Turkey
Turkey is a leader in medical tourism due to its:
High-quality healthcare at affordable prices
Modern, internationally accredited hospitals
Skilled specialists and multilingual staff
Convenient travel and short wait times
This makes Turkey—and Liv Hospital in particular—an attractive destination for high-quality, value-based colorectal cancer screening.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Excellence at Liv Hospital
Advanced Diagnostic Technology for Accurate Screening
Liv Hospital uses cutting-edge equipment for colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, and stool DNA analysis. We also offer innovative emerging blood-based tests for patients seeking the latest options.
Our Expert Gastroenterology and Surgical Teams
Our expert gastroenterology team and colorectal surgeons are highly trained in advanced screening and minimally invasive procedures. Whether it’s a standard colonoscopy or complex polypectomy, your care is in expert hands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At what age should I start colorectal cancer screening?
Most guidelines recommend starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals. Screening earlier may be advised with family history or conditions like IBD.
Which colorectal cancer screening test is best?
Colonoscopy is one of the colorectal cancer screening recommendations, and it remains the gold standard. However, non-invasive options like FIT or stool dna test for colorectal cancer screening are suitable for those who prefer convenience or cannot undergo invasive procedures.
Is a colonoscopy painful?
You receive sedation to ensure comfort. Afterward, you may experience mild bloating or cramping, which generally resolves quickly.
How often do I need to get screened?
Colonoscopy: every 10 years (if results are normal)
FIT or gFOBT: annually
Stool DNA test: every 1–3 years
What happens if my screening test finds something abnormal?
You'll undergo a diagnostic colonoscopy with biopsy or polyp removal. Your care team will guide you through diagnosis and treatment planning.
Take control of your colorectal health today.
Schedule your screening at Liv Hospital and benefit from our advanced diagnostic services, expert teams, and comprehensive care for international patients.
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
