Colon cancer screening is one of the measures people take to prevent and manage colorectal cancer. It is a type of cancer that leads to the growth of malignant cancerous cells in the epithelial lining. These cancerous cells usually spread and affect other organs, resulting in more health complications. Thus, people should seek treatment early to prevent cancer from spreading since both environmental and genetic factors cause colon cancer. Patients with colon cancer exhibit various signs and symptoms such as constipation, irregular bowel activity, severe weight loss, chronic fatigue, and bloody stool. Patients experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention from an oncologist to allow them to determine the severity of their condition. Here are a few reasons people should go for colon cancer screening.

Prevention and Early Detection of Cancer

Colon cancer screening is essential since it allows the doctor to detect the disease early. Usually, people develop cancerous growths called polyps before getting cancer. Inhibiting the formation of pre-cancerous polyps along the epithelial lining interferes with cancer development. As such, colon cancer screening enables oncologists to test, detect, and remove the cancerous growths before they mature, thus preventing cancer. Moreover, colon cancer screening enables oncologists to detect cancer at its earliest stage. This allows the doctors to remove the growth surgically without using other treatment options such as chemotherapy. Thus, people should go for colon cancer screening early to prevent cancer from maturing.

To Protect One's Family

Colon cancer screening is essential because it helps people protect their loved ones. Colon cancer can be caused by various genetic factors, making it hereditary. Going for screening helps people determine the likelihood of their children inheriting various types of colon cancer like Lynch syndrome. Knowing whether your children are genetically predisposed to colon cancer allows you to prepare and start treatment early to prevent cancer from progressing. 

To Know the Best Screening Option

Oncologists usually conduct colon cancer screening through medical lab tests, imaging and visualizing the colon's lining, and thorough physical exams. The primary colon cancer screening option used by doctors is colonoscopy. The colonoscopy is an intrusive procedure that involves using a long thin tube with a camera to image the patient's colon lining. While colonoscopy is the most common and reliable method, patients can choose an alternative cancer screening method. These screening options include conducting a stool DNA test, virtual CT scan, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and special X-rays. Thus, you have an option to choose a colon cancer screening method that makes you comfortable.

For more information on colon cancer, contact a professional near you.