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Sigmoidoscopy. A thin, lighted tube is inserted through the anus and rectum and into the lower part of the colon to look for abnormal areas.

Less-Invasive Colorectal Cancer Screening Test Proves Effective

Sigmoidoscopy, a screening test for colorectal cancer that is less invasive and has fewer side effects than colonoscopy, reduces the rates of new cases and deaths, confirms the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO).

•	NCI press release: Sigmoidoscopy effective
•	The PLCO screening trial
•	More about colorectal cancer screening

Tiny Solutions for Big Problems

That's the promise of the NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer, whose researchers use science and engineering to manipulate matter at the smallest molecular scale in order to prevent, detect, and treat cancer in radically new ways.

•	NCI Cancer Bulletin: Nanoparticle in early treatment trial
•	Video: Journey into Nanotechnology
•	Opportunities to collaborate with NCI Alliance
•	NCI's Nanotechnology Characterization Lab

Woman rubbing sun cream on son's face by lake

Protect and Check the Skin You're In

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Each year, more than 2 million people are treated for basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer and more than 68,000 are diagnosed with melanoma. Learn the warning signs of skin cancer and how to lower your risk.

•	NCI Fact Sheet: Common Moles, Dysplastic Nevi, and Risk of Melanoma
•	How to Check Your Skin for Skin Cancer
•	How to Protect Your Skin from Sunlight