What methods are used to screen a person for colorectal cancer?

'scopes, X-rays, etc: A number of different screening tests are available for colon ca. They include colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, ct colonography (virtual colonoscopy), and fecal occult blood testing. The pro's and con's of each are described here: http://www.Cancer.Gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/colorectal-screening in general, colonoscopy is considered the "gold standard".

History: Get personal and family history of colon cancer. Ask if history of colitis, familial polyposis, ibs, lunch syndrome, rectal bleeding, obesity, age over 44yo, rectal mass., un explained anemia needs to be evaluated. Colonoscopy is by far the best way to screen for colon cancer.