Understanding Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer can affect everyone. It doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender, background or lifestyle.

And because most people who develop colon cancer don’t have a family history, the most important step you can take is simple: Get screened.

When Should Screening for Colon Cancer Start?

Whether you’re a man or woman, the recommended age to begin routine colon cancer screening is 45. Even if you feel completely healthy, screening at the right time is essential because colon cancer often develops silently. Starting screening at 45 gives us the best chance to prevent cancer entirely by finding and removing tiny growths called polyps before they can turn into a tumor.

If you have a family history of colon cancer, other related cancers or certain medical conditions, you may need to start screening at a younger age. 

What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?

Precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer typically have no symptoms. When colon cancer does cause noticeable symptoms, it often means something has been developing for a while. These symptoms can be caused by several conditions, but they shouldn’t be ignored even if you haven’t reached your 45th birthday. Likewise, you shouldn’t wait for your next scheduled screening colonoscopy to have symptoms checked out. Get evaluated by your health care provider if you have persistent symptoms including:

• Rectal bleeding
• Changes in bowel habits, like frequent constipation or diarrhea
• Ongoing abdominal cramps or pain

Your Screening Options for Colon Cancer

You have choices when it comes to screening, and the best test is the one you’re comfortable completing. 

• Colonoscopy, which combines prevention and early detection
• Stool-based tests, which are less invasive but may not detect precancerous polyps

Stool based Tests

These offer convenient at home options, checking your stool for signs that may indicate cancer or polyps. If a stool-based test comes back positive, we’ll follow up with a colonoscopy to get a closer look.

FIT Test

• Looks for microscopic blood in the stool
• If negative, repeat screening every year

Cologuard

• Looks for hemoglobin as a sign of bleeding tumors or polyps
• Looks for DNA markers associated with cancerous or precancerous cells
• If negative, repeat screening every three years

Colonoscopy: The Gold Standard for Colon Cancer Screening

A colonoscopy uses a small camera to examine the entire colon. What makes this test so valuable is that it’s both diagnostic and preventive. If I find polyps, I can remove them during the same procedure, so they don’t have the chance to turn into cancer.

If your colonoscopy is normal and you’re at average risk, you only need it once every 10 years.

What to Expect from a Colonoscopy

I know the prep is what patients worry about most. It’s not pleasant, but as I often say, it’s not the end of the world either. Prep has improved significantly over the years. 

We now use what’s called a split prep, where you take part of the medication the day before and the rest on the morning of your test. Along with drinking clear liquids, this helps ensure your colon is clean so we can get the best possible view.

The procedure itself is usually much easier than people expect. Once you’re at the center, we give you medication to keep you sleeping comfortably. You won’t feel or remember the exam. In fact, most patients wake up asking, “When are we getting started?” — and we’re already done. Complications are rare, occurring in fewer than one in 1,000 cases.

If Colon Cancer Is Found

Hearing the word “cancer” is scary, but we have excellent treatments and real reason for hope when we catch it early. As a gastroenterologist who has been caring for patients in Tupelo since 1999, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful early detection can be.

Colon cancer is highly treatable in the early stages. If the tumor hasn’t spread beyond the colon, it often is cured with surgery alone. Even if it has spread, we have many effective treatments that can help you move forward with confidence and support.

If you’re ready to take the next step, I encourage you to reach out. Screening saves lives, and I’m here to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible for you.