Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It is a cancer that starts in the large intestine, also known as the colon. Colon cancer usually starts as small, noncancerous polyps that can grow and develop into cancer over time. Regular screening tests can help find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer. This can help prevent colon cancer or find it early when treatment is most effective.
There are several different ways to check for colon cancer. The most common test is a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end into the rectum and colon. This allows the doctor to see the inside of the colon and look for any polyps or other abnormalities. Other tests that can be used to check for colon cancer include a sigmoidoscopy, a virtual colonoscopy, and a fecal occult blood test.