Read through the table below and make a selection of which test you'd like to know more about.
| |
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy |
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) |
Double Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE) |
Colonoscopy |
| Purpose |
Directly looks for polyps or tumors in the colon |
Chemically tests for blood caused by polyps or tumors in colon |
Uses an x-ray image to look for polyps or tumors in the colon |
Directly looks for polyps or tumors in the colon |
| How the test is done |
Doctor inserts a flexible instrument into the lower colon |
Patient collects stool on a stick and touches the stool to a special card |
Radiologist inserts air and barium into the colon, then x-rays are taken |
Doctor inserts a flexible instrument into the entire colon |
| Frequency |
Should be done every 5 years, preferably along with a yearly FOBT, unless otherwise directed by your physician |
Should be done every year |
Should be done every 5 years, unless otherwise directed by your physician |
Should be done every 10 years, unless otherwise directed by your physician |
| Preparation |
Use laxatives or enemas to clear stool from the colon 1-2 days before the test |
Avoid red meat, some vegetables, and certain medications for a few days before the test |
Clear stool from the colon withlaxatives or enemas and follow a liquid diet for 1-2 days before the test |
Clear stool from the colon with laxatives or enemas and follow a liquid diet the day before the test |
| Sedation Required? |
No |
No |
|
Yes |
| Discomfort |
Mild to moderate |
None |
Mild to moderate |
Mild—patient is sedated during the procedure |
| Embarrassment |
May be a major concern because of the nature of the procedure |
May be a mild concern because you have to handle your stool |
May be a moderate concern |
May be a moderate concern because of the nature of the procedure |
| Inconvenience |
Preparation required; No sedation |
Quick, Painless |
Preparation required; No sedation |
Preparation and sedation required |
| Accuracy |
Good; Limited because only 1/3 of colon is seen. Also limited if stool remains in bowel. |
Fair |
Good; Limited only if bowel still has stool inside |
Excellent; Limited only if bowel still has stool inside |
| Need for additional tests |
If abnormal result is found, need to follow up with colonoscopy |
If blood is found, need to follow up with colonoscopy |
If abnormal image is found, need to follow up with colonoscopy |
None |
| Risk of Complications |
Very small risk of infection or bowel tears |
No risk |
Very small risk of bowel tears |
Small risk of infection or bowel tears |
| Cost* |
$150-$300 |
$10-$25 |
$250-$500 |
$800-$1600 |
| *This is the price of the test, but may not reflect the actual amount you have to pay. Check with your doctor or insurance carrier for more details. |
