Colon cancer often starts with small growths called polyps in the colon or rectum. These are the parts of your digestive tract that help your body store and get rid of solid waste.
Polyps don’t usually cause any symptoms at first, which means they can go easily unnoticed. Without regular screening, they may silently progress, and some can slowly turn into cancer over time. Because of this, people may wonder, “What is the best way to diagnose colon cancer?”
There’s a safe and simple way to catch colon cancer early or even stop it before it starts. It’s called a colonoscopy, and it’s considered the best tool we have to diagnose and prevent colon cancer.
A colonoscopy lets your gastroenterologist look closely at the inside of your colon and rectum. They use a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end. As the camera moves through your colon, it sends images to a screen so your doctor can visualize anything unusual, such as:
If your doctor finds any polyps, they can often remove them immediately. That means a colonoscopy isn’t just a diagnostic test; it’s also a powerful form of cancer prevention.
Even if you feel healthy, you could still benefit from getting screened. Colon cancer doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms right away, so the best time to catch it is before you even know it’s there.
Most people should start colon cancer screening at age 45. But some may need to start earlier, especially if they have:
Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy right away, no matter your age, if you are having symptoms like:
A clean colon gives your doctor the best chance to detect any potential problems, so doing a proper prep is essential. It can be a bit of a commitment, since you need to stay near a bathroom, but it makes the test much more effective. You will have:
Your gastroenterologist will provide detailed instructions on when to stop eating and how to adjust prescription medications if needed.
The procedure itself is simple. It usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. You’ll be given sedation to help you relax or fall asleep, so you won’t be awake, feel discomfort, or remember much of it.
You’ll lie on your side while the doctor gently inserts a tube with a camera into your rectum and guides it through your colon.
The doctor will look at images of the colon’s lining in real-time, examining closely for any irregular areas, such as polyps or inflammation. If they find a polyp, they can remove it immediately using tools built into the scope.
They may also take small tissue samples, or biopsies, to check for cancer or other conditions.
Afterward, you’ll rest while the sedation wears off. You’ll need someone to drive you home, and most people feel a little bloated or gassy for a few hours, but otherwise, recovery is pretty quick.
There are other ways to screen for colon cancer, like stool tests that look for hidden blood or abnormal DNA, but these tests can only detect cancer. They can’t remove polyps, and if something concerning shows up, you’ll still need a colonoscopy afterward.
The answer to the question of “what is the best way to diagnose colon cancer?” is colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy is the only test that:
Colon cancer often grows slowly, which gives us a real opportunity to diagnose it early or prevent it altogether.
Don’t delay any longer – schedule an appointment today. Early detection saves lives.
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