現時政府推出的「Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme」主要針對資助50至75歲及沒有症狀的香港居民在私營界別接受篩查服務，避免大腸癌。不過，由於大腸癌有年輕化的趨勢，對於高危群眾如：飲食習慣不良（如嗜吃紅肉、加工肉品等）、有代謝症候群等，應比照有大腸癌家族史之民眾，可提前至40歲或更早就進行檢查。
常見大腸癌篩選方法:
A faecal occult blood test
可在家中進行A faecal occult blood test，透過檢測大便中的隱血 (血便)，即使只有微量隱血，亦能表示腸道有出血的現象。
Sigmoidoscopy
Before the examination, you must take laxatives to cleanse the intestines and follow a low-residue diet. The doctor then uses a 60-centimeter-long instrument with a camera attached to it and inserts it into the large intestine through the anus to examine the large intestine wall. If necessary, the doctor will first prescribe sedatives and painkillers to reduce the examiner's discomfort and anxiety. During the examination, the doctor can take tissue samples for further testing and remove the polyps.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopyis currently the best way to examine the lower gastrointestinal tract. Before the examination, you must take laxatives to cleanse the intestines and follow a low-residue diet. Doctors use a small tube with a total length of about 1.6 meters to examine the entire large intestine. As with sigmoidoscopy, medications may be prescribed to reduce the patient's discomfort and anxiety. During the examination, the doctor can take tissue samples for further testing and remove the polyps.
Cancer genetic screening
In recent years, hereditary cancer genetic screening has also been introduced. If a family member has had cancer, such as breast cancer or colorectal cancer, the risk of developing such cancer may be higher. In a small number of families, mutated genes that control cell division are more likely to be passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, the chances of developing colorectal cancer can be known through early testing.
80% of colorectal cancers evolve from polyps. It takes about 5 to 10 years for polyps to develop into colorectal cancer. Understanding the characteristics of intestinal polyps andremoving polypsin the large intestine as early as possible is the most effective way to avoid colorectal cancer.
另外，要注意的是大便隱血測試準確度約為80%，但目的不在發現瘜肉，成功發現瘜肉的機會少於50%。雖然測試可幫助未出現病徵的患者及早發現出血問題，但未能有效避免大腸癌。相反，大腸鏡檢查有效切除瘜肉，防止演變成大腸癌。
希望大家透過定期檢查，可及早發現病變！
The above information is for reference only. Consult your doctor if you have any doubt.
資料來源：健康生活易、香港01
