Colon cancer screening is done to detect indications or incidents of cancer in high-risk patients before the patients have any symptoms. If abnormal tissue is found early, it is easier to treat. Regular colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful weapons against colorectal cancer. In fact, a polyp may take as long as 10 to 15 years to develop fully into cancer, which means screening allows doctors to find and remove polyps before they turn  cancerous.

The most common tests conducted in a colon cancer screening, include:

1. Colonoscopy

This test makes the entire inside of the colon visible to the examiner, so as to visually detect any polyps or cancer.

2. CAT /CT scans

A computed tomography scan is a radiology examination that takes several x-ray images of the abdomen that can be scrutinized for abnormal cells or cancer.

3. Sigmoidoscopy

This examination is similar to colonoscopy, but only half of the colon can be seen. The bowels have to be thoroughly cleaned before a sigmoidoscopy.

4. Double-contrast barium enema

Is conducted on patients who have anesthesia complications and cannot have a colonoscopy done. This test is less effective than a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy.
When colorectal cancer is found at an early stage before it metastasizes (or spreads), patients can expect an 5-year relative survival rate of approximately 90%, according to the American Cancer Society.  Sadly, once colorectal cancer has spread outside the colon or rectum, survival rates are significantly lower.

Colon cancer treatment options will depend on various factors, such as:

• Cancer type
• Stage of cancer
• Possible side effects of treatment
• Patient’s age, health, other medical conditions, and current medications
• Patient’s nutritional status
• Patient’s preferences and social support

As in the case of most cancers, colon cancer treatments plans will include one or a combination of the following:

1. Surgery

Surgery is performed to remove the tumor and some healthy surrounding tissue. Nearby lymph nodes will also be removed.

2. Radiation

Radiation Therapy involves the use of high-energy x-rays to destroy tumors. Radiation therapy is usually given 5 days a week for several weeks.

3. Chemo

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Drugs end the cancer cells’ ability to grow and spread. Chemotherapy is administered as either a pill or capsule or through a drip directly into the veins.

4. Targeted cancer therapies

Targeted therapy is used to target tissue environments, genes, and proteins that enhance the ability of the cancer cells to grow and spread. This method causes damage to cancer cells only.

5. Radiofrequency Ablation

This colon cancer treatment involves using tiny electrodes in a special probe to kill cancer cells. The probe is usually inserted through an incision.

6. Cryosurgery

This surgical technique uses an instrument to freeze and destroy abnormal cells.

7. Clinical Trials

These research trials are conducted to find better methods and drugs to treat colon cancer. Patients may choose to enter these trials before, during or after starting colon cancer treatment. Different clinical trials have different conditions that patients have to fulfill.

8. Complementary alternative medicines

These are used in conjunction with conventional medicine as no complementary method has been proven effective and safe. Alternative medicine has been recommended by a conventional doctor, where a special diet has been prescribed in place of conventional medicines and treatment. Integrative Medicine combines conventional medicine and complementary medicines. There is evidence that this approach is safe and effective.