Elderly patients are encouraged to consider a range of colon cancer screening tests

Screening tools help guide patients to physicians who can find cancer in it's early stages

A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reported that colonoscopy risks may outweigh the benefits for some patients over the age of 85.   Elderly patients with a medical history of stroke, diabetes, heart failure and atrial fibrillation are encouraged to consider alternatives such as the fecal occult blood test.  These less invasive tests minimize risks which may be present during a colonoscopy such as bleeding colon perforation and heart problems.

“Somebody who is older and not in great health might benefit from a fecal occult blood test, and if the result is positive then a colonoscopy may be needed,” said lead researcher Joan L. Warren in a HealthDay interview.  Colonscopy is considered the “gold standard” for the detection and prevention of colon cancer.  If polyps are detected during the procedure they can be removed.  Warren goes on to say “overall, the risks from colonoscopy are quite low, however, there are some groups of people for whom the risk was significantly elevated.”

For more information on colon cancer and a list of screening tests, visit the Colon Cancer Coalition website at GetYourRearInGear.com

Source: University of Minnesota Medical Center Fairview Health Update