Colon Cancer Screening

Regular colon cancer screening is a powerful tool for detecting colon cancer. At Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital, our gastroenterologists are experts in colon cancer screening.

Colon cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed form of cancer in men and women over the age of 45. It is also the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. (American Cancer Society, 2014.)

Colon cancer is preventable—90 percent of cases can be prevented if caught early enough. Colon cancer doesn’t usually have symptoms in the early stages, so a colonoscopy is the only way to find it early.

A colonoscopy can prevent colorectal cancer because it can detect precancerous growths, called polyps, in the colon and rectum. Most polyps do not become cancerous but removing them can prevent cancer from occurring.

When we find colon cancer in the early stages, there is a better chance of a cure, treatment will be easier, and recovery will be faster.

Screening Recommendations

Colonoscopy screening is recommended for patients who have:

• Symptoms such as blood in the stool
• Rectal bleeding
• Change in bowel habits
• Cramping in the lower abdomen
• A family history of colon cancer for people over 40
• Anyone over the age of 45 (even without symptoms or family history)