Colon Cancer Screening
Frequently Asked Questions
None Available At This Time
Description
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and rectum, and is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. If caught early, colorectal cancer can be cured.
Colorectal cancer usually develops from pre-cancerous polyps, which is a growth on the inside wall of the colon or rectum. Because some polyps can become cancer, it is important to get screened to find out if you have polyps, and to have them removed.
Colonscopy and sigmoidoscopy are the two most common colorectal cancer screening tests.
(Image used by permission of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health.)
Sources of Additional Information
- American Gastroenterological Association
- Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment
- (An overview of colorectal cancer, its prevention, treatments, and risk factors.)
- American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- Understanding Colon Cancer Screening
- (Six questions that could save your life or the life of someone you love.)
