Flexible sigmoidoscopy is the visualization of the last 24 inches of the colorectum with a fiberoptic camera. This test is recommended every five years. Anorectal digital exams are crucial to identify very low rectal cancers, and should be performed annually, as well. Colonoscopy is the visualization of the entire colon. This should be performed in high-risk individuals, as described above, or in the event of abnormal FOBT or sigmoidoscopy.
Surgery is a common form of treatment for colorectal cancer.
Chemotherapy, or chemotherapy plus radiation is given before or after surgery whose cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or deeply perforated the bowel wall. A permanent colostomy is seldom needed for colon cancer and is infrequently required for rectal cancer. Petar Vukasin, MD, is a colorectal and general surgeon at Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center.