Colon cancer screening is one of the most effective ways to prevent colorectal cancer or catch it early when it's most treatable. At Colon & Digestive Health Specialists, we emphasize the importance of routine screenings to protect your digestive health and potentially save your life.
What Is Colon Cancer Screening?
Colon cancer screening involves medical tests to detect signs of cancer or precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum before symptoms develop. These tests are especially important because colon cancer often develops silently, without obvious signs in its early stages.
Why Is Colon Cancer Screening Important?
Early detection saves lives: When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for colon cancer is over 90%.
Prevention: Screening can detect polyps before they become cancerous.
Peace of mind: Knowing your colon is healthy provides reassurance and helps you stay proactive about your health.
When Should You Get Screened?
Average risk individuals should begin screening at age 45, according to the American Cancer Society.
If you have a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome, your doctor may recommend earlier screening.
Some people may need more frequent testing depending on their personal risk factors.
Types of Colon Cancer Screening Tests
1. Colonoscopy (Gold Standard)
A visual exam of the entire colon using a thin, flexible tube with a camera.
Detects and removes polyps during the same procedure.
Recommended every 10 years for average-risk individuals.
2. Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
A stool test that checks for hidden blood, a possible sign of cancer.
Non-invasive, done at home, and repeated annually.
3. Stool DNA Test (Cologuard®)
Combines FIT with genetic testing to identify abnormal DNA in stool.
Repeated every 3 years.
4. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Examines the lower part of the colon.
Recommended every 5 years, sometimes combined with FIT.
How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy
You’ll need to follow a clear liquid diet the day before.
A bowel prep (laxative) is taken to clean out the colon.
Sedation is typically used during the procedure for comfort.
What Happens After Screening?
Normal Results: If no polyps or cancer are found, your next screening may not be needed for up to 10 years.
Abnormal Results: If polyps are found, your doctor may remove them and recommend more frequent follow-ups.
Get Screened at Colon & Digestive Health Specialists
At Colon & Digestive Health Specialists, we offer advanced, comfortable, and accurate colon cancer screening options. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Karim Shakoor, M.D., is dedicated to providing compassionate care and personalized screening plans to fit your needs.
Schedule Your Colon Cancer Screening Today
Don’t wait for symptoms. Colon cancer is highly preventable—and treatable when found early. Call us today or visit colondigestive to schedule your screening and take the first step toward better health.
