Who Should Be Screened for Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer (also referred to as colon cancer) is a cancer that develops in the colon or the rectum. These parts of the digestive system are also called the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The digestive system processes food for energy and rids the body of solid waste. Colorectal cancer usually develops slowly over a period of many years. Before a cancer develops, it usually begins as a non-cancerous polyp. A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue lining the colon or rectum. One specific type of polyp, called an adenoma, has the greatest risk of becoming a cancer.

Once a colorectal cancer is found, the cancer must be staged. Staging tells your doctor and you if the cancer has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. It is important to know the stage of the disease to plan the best treatment. 

Colorectal Cancer Signs & Symptoms

Colorectal cancer is often present in people without symptoms. This is why screening for colorectal cancer is so important. The following signs or symptoms, however, might indicate colorectal cancer:

• Blood in your stools
• Narrower than normal stools
• Unexplained abdominal pain
• Unexplained change in bowel habits
• Unexplained anemia
• Unexplained weight loss

These symptoms may be caused by other benign diseases such as hemorrhoids, inflammation in the colon or irritable bowel syndrome. If you experience any of these symptoms for more than a few days, talk with a gastrointestinal specialist about them. Using our Find a Doctor feature, you can locate a qualified gastrointestinal endoscopist in your area.

Certain people are at higher than average risk of developing colorectal cancer and should pay particular attention to these symptoms. A family history of colorectal cancer, multiple family members with certain other cancers (uterus, bladder, stomach, etc.) or a history of inflammatory bowel disease are examples of risk factors for developing colon cancer.

Screening/Early Detection

Regular screening can help prevent colorectal cancer through diagnosis at an early, curable stage or through removal of precancerous polyps. Beginning at age 45, both men and women at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should have a screening colonoscopy and then repeat the procedure every 10 years. Colonoscopy, when performed by a well-trained endoscopist, gastroenterologist or surgeon, is the most effective screening test for colon cancer because it allows for the detection and removal of precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer.

Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Treatment for colorectal cancer is most effective when the cancer is found early. Colorectal cancer treatment may include a combination of surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy, with surgery being the first line of defense. Some patients may also have radiation and/or chemotherapy before or after surgery. The treatment is usually managed by a medical cancer doctor (oncologist), a cancer surgeon and sometimes a radiation oncologist.

Medicare Coverage

Not long ago, Medicare started paying for colonoscopy for people age 50 and older. In the past, Medicare only covered the exam for people at high risk. The American Cancer Society led the efforts to expand coverage of this test. People on Medicare now have more choices for screening tests.