All about colon cancer screening
Your colon is part of your digestive system. It absorbs water and stores waste. Colon cancer starts from small growths called polyps inside your colon.
The goal of colon cancer screening is to detect colorectal cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective. If polyps are found, they’re usually removed.
Who needs colon cancer screening?
Adults should begin screening for colon cancer at the age of 45. Regular screening usually continues until age 75. If you’re over 75, talk with your doctor to see if you need more screening.
Most people start screening at age 45. You may need to screen earlier if you have:
- A personal or family history of colorectal polyps or cancer
- Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- An inherited disease that raises your risk
If you’re 45 or older, talk to your doctor about colon cancer screening. If you think you are at a higher risk, talk to your doctor about getting screened.
How to screen for colon cancer
There are a few ways to screen for colon cancer:
- A stool test: Stool tests are less invasive than other methods like colonoscopy. A stool test detects signs of polyps and tumors in the stool sample. There are different types of stool tests available.
- Colonoscopy: This is the gold standard of screening tools. It involves a cleanout and sedated procedure to examine your colon. A colonoscopy identifies if you have polys and removes them if you do.
Other screening methods may include blood-based tests and a sigmoidoscopy. Talk to your doctor to decide which option is best for you.
Colorectal cancer screening is the best way to prevent colorectal disease. Schedule an appointment with a primary care provider. They’ll help you determine your next best steps.
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This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.