Colorectal cancer (cancer of the large intestine) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. To put it into perspective, colorectal cancer is expected to cause more than 50,000 deaths in 2023.
These cancers typically start out as small growths in the colon. If the polyps are identified and removed at this stage, they are harmless. However, if they are not removed, they can progress to cancer, spread to other parts of the body, be much more difficult to treat, and lead to serious illness and/or death.
In this blog, I will break down why screening for colon cancer is so important, who should be screened, and what that process may look like.
To prevent this from happening, it is important to find these polyps and remove them before they have the chance to turn into cancer and to identify any cancers as early as possible. Therefore regular colon cancer screening is important.
There are several ways to test for colon cancer. The most common way to be screened is with a colonoscopy. However, there are also non-invasive tests that look for colon cancer – like Cologuard.
Colonoscopy
During a colonoscopy, you are given sedation to make you sleepy and relaxed. Then a long, thin camera called a “colonoscope” is inserted to the colon and used to look for any polyps or cancers. The camera can also be used to remove polyps.
Prior to the colonoscopy, you will be asked to “prep” using laxatives. This will clean out the colon prior to the procedure. Many patients find that this is the most difficult part of the entire procedure.
It’s important to remember a colonoscopy is a procedure, so there is a small risk of problems. Patients could have an issue with the medications used for prep or during the procedure. There is also the possibility the colon will be damaged during the procedure.
Colorguard
This test has become more common lately. The Cologuard test looks for signs of polyps or cancer in the stool. This test is less invasive than a colonoscopy but does have some drawbacks, including:
If you have a normal Cologuard test you should be tested again in 3 years.
Currently, most experts suggest stopping colon cancer screening at age 75. However, additional tests may be suggested if a patient has a family history of colon cancer, or if previous tests were abnormal.
Disclaimer: While I am a doctor, I am not your doctor. The content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and should not serve as medical advice, consultation, or diagnosis. If you have a medical concern, please consult your healthcare provider, or seek immediate medical treatment.