What is the recommended office screening test for colorectal cancer?

The recommended office screening test for colorectal cancer is colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening because it allows for direct visualization of the entire colon and rectum. During the procedure, any polyps or lesions can not only be identified but also removed during the same visit, significantly reducing the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Additionally, colonoscopy has a strong ability to detect polyps, which can be precursors to cancer, and it allows for biopsy of suspicious areas. The procedure is typically recommended starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals, and it is repeated every 10 years if no significant findings are present.

In comparison, while sigmoidoscopy can also be used for colorectal cancer screening, it only examines the lower part of the colon and does not visualize the entire colon. This limits its effectiveness in identifying cancers or polyps present in the upper colon. The fecal occult blood test detects blood in the stool but does not directly visualize or remove polyps, and although it is a useful screening tool, it is less thorough than colonoscopy. CT scans are not standard as initial screening methods for colorectal cancer due to their limited ability to detect polyps and cancer compared to direct visualization methods.