How to Check for Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. When found early enough, colon cancer is usually treatable. Because colon cancer is typically treatable in the early stages, it is important to check for it on a regular basis. There are several ways that an individual can check for colon cancer.

• Review a list of symptoms for colon cancer. Some of the most common symptoms of colon cancer include constant diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. If you are displaying one or many of these symptoms, you should speak with your physician as soon as possible.


• Provide a stool sample to your physician. The physician can examine any abnormalities that may be located in the stool.


• Have a colonoscopy performed. During this test, a colonoscope will be inserted. A colonoscopy is one of the best tests to take because the colonoscope can reach far into the colon. With the use of a video chip, the doctor will be able to get an idea of what is going on in your colon. This test will need to be done at a hospital and will typically last for about 2 hours.


• Have a biopsy performed. During the biopsy, some tissue from your colon will be removed. This tissue will be examined in a laboratory. Upon examining the tissue, the physician may be able to find out if the individual is suffering from colon cancer or other diseases.


• Have an X-ray performed by your physician. The type of X-ray that should be taken is commonly referred to as a Barium Enema. Barium sulfate is given to the patient through the rectum via an enema so that when the physician takes the X-rays, anything out of the ordinary will be clearly visible. This X-ray is not painful and requires little to no discomfort.