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Until recently, flexible sigmoidoscopy was the way we
performed screening examinations for colon (large
intestinal) cancer. Sigmoidoscopy coupled with stool
Hemoccult testing, which is testing for blood in the
stool, was the standard of care. Recently, most
organizations have accepted the fact that the
appropriate screening should entail viewing the entire
colon. There are many ways of doing this, including
barium enema, colonoscopy, and newer techniques that are
not yet commonly available.
Colonoscopy entails taking a very flexible, thin,
lighted instrument, very gently passing it around the
entire colon, otherwise known as the large intestine.
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