In this guide
6 min readPreventive Health
Colon cancer screening aims to detect polyps or early cancer before advanced symptoms occur. The right age depends on symptoms, family history and risk profile.
Key Takeaways
- Age-appropriate adults
- Family history of colon cancer
- Previous polyps
- IBD history
- Unexplained anemia or bleeding
Who should discuss screening
Screening decisions should be individualized.
- Age-appropriate adults
- Family history of colon cancer
- Previous polyps
- IBD history
- Unexplained anemia or bleeding
Warning symptoms
Blood in stool, black stool, bowel habit change, anemia, weight loss or persistent pain need evaluation regardless of age.
Role of colonoscopy
Colonoscopy can detect inflammation, polyps and cancer, and suitable polyps can often be removed.
Preparation
Good bowel preparation, medicine review and attendant planning are important for safe and accurate colonoscopy.