Another colon cancer screening test that can be used to diagnose whether you really have the colon cancer, along with your colon cancer symptoms is called Barium Enema X-Ray. Today we are going to see more detailed explanation on this screening test.

Colon Cancer Screening Test – What is Barium Enema X-Ray

Barium enema is also commonly known as lower gastrointestinal series. This colon cancer screening test is a special X-Ray that utilize one particular chemical called barium sulfate and air. Air may be pumped into the colon to help sharpen the outline of the intestinal wall. The combination of barium sulfate and air allows the x-ray to outline the lining of the rectum and colon clearly. This is possible since the barium sulfate shows up as white color on X-ray films.

Anyway, when your colon is screened with barium enema x-ray for colon cancer, possible abnormalities inside the colon and rectum may appear as dark silhouettes or patterns along the intestinal lining on the X-ray.

Colon Cancer Screening Test – The Procedure

The barium enema colon cancer screening test is usually held for 45 minutes. The procedure might be a bit uncomfortable when the barium is inserted with an enema, but the x-ray is painless.

Besides screening for polyps growth that might lead to colon cancer and the colon cancer itself, the barium enema test can also detect other abnormalities such as tumors, diverticulosis, etc.

Just like I said before, when your age is above 50, you should check your digestive system (including colon) for polyps. One way to do it is with this colon cancer screening test.

However, according to research, this test may miss small polyps. It detects about 30 to 50 percent of the cancers that can be found with standard colonoscopy. Moreover, doctors cannot directly remove the polyps they found during the test.

This test is commonly suggested every 5-10 years for people whose age is more than 50 and less likely of having a colon cancer (not having colon cancer symptoms, for instance).

Colon Cancer Screening Test – More Info

Other symptoms of colon cancer can be found in the main article: Colon Cancer Symptoms and Signs

Other colon cancer screening test options can be found in the main article: List of Colon Cancer Symptoms Screening Test

Share some comments about the barium enema x-ray, the colon cancer screening test, would you?