Colon cancer is a common type of cancer that forms in the cells lining the large intestine. It is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. It is a serious disease that can be treated if detected early.

In this article, we will talk about early detection of colon cancer and who needs to start screening sooner.

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer is a cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon). It typically starts as a growth on the inner lining of the colon, which is called a polyp. Most polyps do not turn into cancer, but some do.

If a polyp turns into cancer, it can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.

Why is early detection important?

Early detection of colon cancer is crucial because it increases the chances of successful treatment. When colon cancer is detected early, it may be possible to remove it before it has a chance to spread to other parts of the body.

This can increase the chances of survival and lower the risk of complications. For this reason, it is important to start screening for colon cancer at a certain age.

Who needs to start screening sooner?

Colon cancer screening is typically recommended for people who are at an average risk of developing the disease. In general, this means people who are over the age of 50 and have no family history of colon cancer or other risk factors.

However, some groups of people may need to start screening at a younger age. These groups include:.

: 1. People with a family history of colon cancer

If someone in your immediate family (parent, sibling, or child) has had colon cancer, you may be at a higher risk of developing the disease. In this case, your doctor may recommend starting screening at an earlier age, such as age 40 or even earlier.

: 2. People with a personal history of colon cancer or polyps

If you have had colon cancer or polyps in the past, you may be at a higher risk of developing the disease again. Your doctor may recommend more frequent screening or starting screening at an earlier age.

: 3. People with certain genetic conditions

There are certain genetic conditions that can increase your risk of developing colon cancer. These include Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

If you have one of these conditions, your doctor may recommend starting screening at an earlier age.

What are the screening options?

There are several screening options available for colon cancer. These include:.

: 1. Colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy, a flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the colon. The doctor looks for polyps or other abnormalities and can remove them if necessary.

This is the most accurate colon cancer screening test and is typically recommended every 10 years or more frequently if polyps are found.

: 2. Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

This test looks for blood in the stool, which can be a sign of colon cancer. It is a non-invasive test that can be done at home and should be done annually.

: 3. Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)

This test also looks for blood in the stool, but it is less accurate than the FIT. It is also a non-invasive test that can be done at home and should be done annually.

: 4. Sigmoidoscopy

This test is similar to a colonoscopy but only examines the sigmoid colon, which is the last part of the colon. It is typically recommended every 5 years.

: 5. CT colonography

This test uses a CT scan to examine the colon for polyps or other abnormalities. It is less invasive than a colonoscopy but is not as accurate. It is typically recommended every 5 years.

: Conclusion

Colon cancer is a serious disease that can be treated if detected early. It is important to start screening for colon cancer at a certain age and to follow the recommended screening guidelines.

If you are at an increased risk of developing colon cancer, talk to your doctor about whether you need to start screening at an earlier age or more frequently. Early detection can save lives.