A widely used screening tool for colon
cancer, sigmoidoscopy, misses precancerous
growths in almost two-thirds of women - a
disturbing failure rate twice as high as
the one seen in men.
Colonoscopy - a more reliable but more
expensive test than sigmoidoscopy- should
now be considered the preferred method for
most women.
Both colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy involve
the use of a long, flexible tube to
inspect the twisting colon for
precancerous growths, or polyps. But a
colonoscope is longer and is used to
examine the entire 6-foot length of the
colon, while a sigmoidoscope inspects only
the lower 2 feet or so.
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echokang
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 25 May 2005 Posts: 69
the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer Posted: 05-29-05 22:00pm
What are the symptoms of colorectal
cancer?
Colorectal cancer develops with few, if
any, symptoms at first. However, if
symptoms are present, they may include
blood in or on the stool
a change in bowel habits
stools that are narrower than usual
general, unexplained stomach discomfort
frequent gas, pains, or indigestion
unexplained weight loss
chronic fatigue
these symptoms can also be associated with
other health conditions. If you have any
of these symptoms, discuss them with your
doctor. Only your doctor, through
testing, can determine why you're having
these symptoms.
