Colon Cancer Screening and Tests

The definitive test for colon cancer is a colon biopsy. Learn how this exam is performed, why your doctor ordered it, and what will happen during your procedure.

Information for individuals and loved ones facing the diagnosis, staging and treatment of colon cancer.

A description of current colon cancer screening guidelines.

The colonoscopy bowel prep may be the most dreaded part of this vital screening exam. Learn how to mitigate the discomfort, what the prep entails and breeze through your bowel prep.

Know what to expect and how to prepare for your upcoming colonoscopy.

Information on what to expect before and during the colonocopsy test.

The virtual colonoscopy is a screening exam used to detect colon cancer. Learn more about this minimally invasive, fast test that detects colon cancer.

Learn about the importance of properly preparing for a colonoscopy examination.

Colon cancer screening tests can save lives by finding polyps early, before they can turn cancerous. Learn about the recommended guidelines to learn when you should begin your colon cancer screening.

PET scans are frequently used to diagnose organ-specific diseases, such as problems in the heart or brain, and to find cancer (metastasis or recurrence) at the cellular level. Learn more about this non-invasive test and find out what to expect on test day.

Learn what to expect on the day of your colon cancer screening examination.

Information on what to expect before and during the flexible sigmoidoscopy test.

Information on what to expect before and during the double contrast barium enema (DCBE) test.

Information on what to expect before and during the fecal occult blood test (FOBT).

Information on other colon cancer screening methods, including CT colonography, the fecal immunochemical test, the stool DNA test, and a new colon cancer blood test.

Radiation therapy is used to shrink tumors, reduce pain and stop cancer growth. Radiation therapy employs high doses or radiation, either internally or externally, to kill cancer cells, but healthy cells are also damaged. Learn what symptoms to watch for and how to increase your comfort during therapy.

Information on what to expect when preparing for a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or double contrast barium enema (DCBE) test, plus tips on how to make this process easier.

Learn how to prepare for colon cancer screening during the week before your scheduled examination.

Learn how to prepare for colon cancer screening during the two days before your scheduled examination.

Learn how to prepare for colon cancer screening during the day before your scheduled examination.

What is c reactive protein? Should you have your c reactive protein levels checked? Get the facts on c reactive protein so you can make smart decisions about your health.

Genetic testing for colon cancer may identify people who are at an increased risk for developing the disease. Positive genetic testing results may encourage early screening exams and enhanced vigilance to prevent the disease.