Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in adults. In 2021, there were 104,270 new colon cancer cases in the United States. Risk factors for colon cancer include age, family history of colon or rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), smoking, diets high in red meats and low in fruits and vegetables, obesity, and exposure to certain pesticides, such as DDT, lindane, and dieldrin.

Symptoms of colon cancer sometimes don't appear until the disease has become more advanced, and that's why it is referred to as a "silent killer." The earlier rectal and colon cancers are detected, the easier it is to treat. The colonoscopy screening test helps detect colon cancer at its earliest stage.

Why Should You Consider Early Colon Cancer Testing?

The colon is an essential part of the large intestine that aids in digestion. The colon absorbs water from waste material and forms stool that will then be released through the rectum. Cancer that forms in this area may begin with benign colon polyps or lesions that are precursors to colon cancer. These colon polyps can develop into colon cancer if not detected and removed in time.

Because colon cancer has a tendency to metastasize, or grow into nearby tissues and organs, finding colon cancer in its early stages is one of the most effective ways to treat it without having to resort to more invasive measures.

When colon cancer becomes advanced, so does its treatment. Treating colon cancer that has already metastasized can be difficult and may carry a variety of side effects. It may not even be possible to treat colon cancer once it has spread. At this point, colon cancer patients will need to rely on palliative care, which focuses more on comfort than cure.

When Do You Go In For Colon Cancer Screening?

Colon cancer is most curable when it's caught early. Screening helps prevent colon cancer by looking for pre-cancerous polyps before they turn into colon cancer. The most common colon cancer screening tests include colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy), fecal occult blood test, double-contrast barium enema, and colonoscopy.

There are some signs that show you need colon cancer testing. These include abdominal pain, change of bowel habits, rectal bleeding or blood in stool, abdominal cramps that don't go away, weight loss, and fatigue. If you have one of these signs, you should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider right away for colon cancer testing.

The Takeaway

As colon cancer often does not present itself with any symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage, early colon cancer testing is important to ensure an early diagnosis. For more info about colon cancer screening, contact a local clinic.