Colorectal Cancer Detection

Colorectal cancer screening can detect the presence of polyps. Because some polyps can develop into colorectal cancer, when the presence of a polyp is noted, the polyp will be removed. The removal of the polyp(s) eliminates the possibility that the polyp will develop into a cancer.

Therefore, colorectal cancer is often described as the only preventable cancer. By adhering to the American Cancer Society screening guidelines by beginning colorectal cancer screening at age 50, or 45 if you are African American, you are both reducing the possibility of developing cancers from polyps and participating in an early detection program. People with a strong family history of colon cancer should talk to their physician about being tested sooner.

Early detection is one of the best ways to combat cancer. Catching cancer in its earliest stages gives you the best chances of successfully treating it. Checking for cancer (or for conditions that may lead to cancer) in people who have no symptoms is called "screening."

Reviewed 03/2011