Colon cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer. In the early stages, there are often no symptoms, which is why screening is so important. Screening can detect the early warning signs of colon cancer and save your life.
Colon cancer screening saves lives in two important ways:
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Screening can prevent colon cancer by finding and removing polyps before they turn into cancer. Polyps are small growths that can develop in the colon or rectum, often with no symptoms in the early stages of growth.
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Screening can find cancers early. Early detection means more treatment options and better outcomes.
Screening is only recommended for people who are not experiencing
symptoms that may indicate colon cancer. Symptoms can include blood in your stool, abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss. If you are experiencing these symptoms, talk to your health care provider about a referral for diagnostic testing to determine the cause of these symptoms.
