Screenings Save Lives

Colon cancer can form and grow before it causes symptoms.  A screening test is an examination that is done before a person has symptoms in people who are at risk. There are several types of screening tests for colon cancer available, but colonoscopy is the one most commonly used in the US.  It is the most comprehensive screening tool because it can find polyps and remove them at the same time.

A polyp is a small growth in the colon. Not all polyps turn into cancer, but cancer always begins as a polyp.  During colonoscopy, if the doctor finds polyps they can be removed, often before they become cancerous.

Aside from screening, colonoscopy is also done if there are abnormal results from another screening test. There are several screening tests available.  Talk to your doctor about which one is the best choice for you.