Colon cancer is a cancer that develops quietly. There usually aren’t any early warning signs. Many people feel healthy right up until the disease is more advanced. That’s why knowing how to diagnose colon cancer can be lifesaving. The key is catching it early, before symptoms appear or while the disease is still in its earliest stages.
Colon cancer often starts as polyps, which are tiny growths on the lining of the colon or rectum. Most polyps are harmless, but some can slowly change into cancer over time. Since you won’t typically feel them growing and they usually don’t cause symptoms, regular screening is essential.
When caught early, colon cancer is highly treatable. In some cases, it can even be prevented altogether.
A colonoscopy is the most reliable tool doctors use to find colon cancer and stop it before it starts. It gives your gastroenterologist a direct view inside your colon and rectum.
The entire procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. You’ll be given medication to help you relax or sleep through it, and most people don’t remember it afterward.
You’ll lie on your side while your doctor gently inserts a thin, flexible tube, called a colonoscope, into your rectum. At the tip of the scope is a tiny camera that sends live images to a monitor. As the scope moves through the colon, your doctor checks for anything unusual, like:
If a polyp is found, it can often be removed immediately.
If anything suspicious is spotted, your doctor can also take a small tissue sample to check for cancer cells.
If colon cancer is found, the next step is to figure out how far it has progressed. This process is called staging, and it helps guide treatment options. To do this, your doctor may order:
Cancer is staged from 0 to IV. The lower the number, the earlier the stage, and the more treatment options you’ll likely have.
Colon cancer doesn’t always make itself known early on. In fact, many people feel perfectly fine at first. But when symptoms do appear, they may include:
Not everyone starts with a colonoscopy. There are other screening tools, such as blood tests or stool tests, that can be done at home or with minimal preparation. While these tools can help with early detection, they are not preventative or as thorough as a colonoscopy. They also do not provide a definitive diagnosis. If any of these tests come back abnormal, you’ll still need a colonoscopy for confirmation. These tests tend to have a high false-negative rate. That means you could have cancer, even if the test is negative.
A single colonoscopy can remove polyps before they ever turn into something more serious. It’s a simple step that could make all the difference.
Understanding how to diagnose colon cancer can truly save lives. Regular screening colonoscopies give you the best chance to prevent colon cancer entirely. If you’re over 45 or have risk factors such as a family history of colon cancer, talk to your doctor about the right screening schedule for you.
Don’t delay your colonoscopy any longer – schedule an appointment today!
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