In such cases, the disease is called familial colon cancer. A digital rectal exam, which allows your physician to feel any abnormalities in the rectum. This exam also can detect any enlargement of the prostate. Exam of the rectum and lower colon with an instrument called a sigmoidoscope which allows your physician to view the inside of your colon and take samples of suspicious-looking tissue for analysis. Lower gastrointestinal X-rays of the colon and rectum to locate tumors or any abnormalities of the intestinal tract and rectum.
Prevention is key.
Talk to your physician about what would be most appropriate for you. The digital exam can and should be done at your age, as can the test for blood in the stool. Proctosigmoidoscopy is not routine until age 50. Your physician may consider testing you at an earlier age if you have a strong family history. 882-7000 to make an appointment with a University of Missouri Health Sciences Center physician.