COLON CANCER EARLY DETECTION

Early detection:Beginning at age 50, men and women who are at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should begin screening. Screening can detect and allow for the removal of colorectal polyps that might have become cancerous, as well as detect cancer at an early stage, when treatment may be less
extensive and more successful. In 2008, the American Cancer Society collaborated with several other organizations to release updated colorectal cancer screening guidelines. These joint guidelines emphasize cancer prevention and draw a distinction between colorectal screening tests that primarily detect cancer and those that can detect both cancer and precancerous polyps. There are a number of recommended screening options that vary by the extent of bowel preparation, as well as test performance, limitations, time interval, and cost.-source:American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2013. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2013