Two things you should know right off about colon cancer. First, it is one of the most common cancers. Second, early detection saves lives. There are two main procedures to screen for colon cancer — colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
http://www.scripps.org/news_items/4457-what-is-the-difference-between-a-colonoscopy-and-a-sigmoidoscopy
Colorectal cancer screening procedures are performed with a rigid 25-cm scope or flexible 35- or 60-cm scopes. Flexible scopes are preferred because they provide superior visualization of the mucosa and facilitate complete bowel examination with minimal patient discomfort.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0115/p313.html
In this article. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a routine outpatient procedure in which the inner lining of the lower large intestine is examined. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is commonly used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or changes in bowel habits.
http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/flexible-sigmoidoscopy
A recent study found that a significant number of patients who had no problems with the left side of the colon, had issues in other areas. If you decide to get a sigmoidoscopy over a colonoscopy, make sure you also get a fecal occult blood test (FOBT), which can find cancer in all areas of the colon. Screening should begin at age 50, unless you have a family history of colon cancer, in which case it should begin earlier.
http://www.scripps.org/news_items/4457-what-is-the-difference-between-a-colonoscopy-and-a-sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is most commonly used to screen asymptomatic patients for precancerous changes and malignancies. Signs and symptoms such as diarrhea, proctitis and rectal pain can be evaluated by flexible sigmoidoscopy, but further examination using a barium enema or colonoscopy may be required in symptomatic patients.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0115/p313.html
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a valuable procedural skill for family physicians. Many physicians acquire this skill in residency training and thus are more likely to use it later in practice. 5 On January 1, 1998, Medicare began covering colorectal cancer screening.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0115/p313.html
They differ in the areas of the colon they can see. Colonoscopy examines the entire colon, while sigmoidoscopy is a partial exam that only covers the left side of the colon. Sigmoidoscopy is often easier on patients than colonoscopy. The prep is not as complicated and most people are not sedated during the exam. The problem with sigmoidoscopy is that, sometimes, the portion of the colon being examined is healthy, while there may be problems in the unexamined portion.
http://www.scripps.org/news_items/4457-what-is-the-difference-between-a-colonoscopy-and-a-sigmoidoscopy
Polyps are small growths inside your bowel. They are common and don’t usually cause any symptoms or problems. However, in some people certain types of polyp can change into cancer. Therefore, if your doctor finds any polyps during your flexible sigmoidoscopy, he or she will usually remove them.
http://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/directory/s/sigmoidoscopy
You will meet the doctor carrying out your procedure to discuss your care. It may differ from what is described here as it will be designed to meet your individual needs. A flexible sigmoidoscopy allows your doctor to look inside your rectum and lower part of your bowel. He or she will do this using a narrow, flexible, tube-like video camera called a sigmoidoscope.
http://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/directory/s/sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an important screening procedure because of its ability to detect early changes in the distal colon. The 60-cm flexible sigmoidoscope provides excellent visualization with minimal discomfort to patients.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0115/p313.html
what makes a sigmoidoscopy flexible
A 60 centimeter flexible sigmoidoscope makes a sigmoidoscopy flexible.