1. Colorectal (Colon) Cancer Slideshow Pictures
2. Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Dennis Lee, MD

Dennis Lee, MD

Dr. Lee was born in Shanghai, China, and received his college and medical training in the United States. He is fluent in English and three Chinese dialects. He graduated with chemistry departmental honors from Harvey Mudd College. He was appointed president of AOA society at UCLA School of Medicine. He underwent internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship training at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

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Medical Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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In this Article

• Introduction to colon cancer screening and surveillance
• Screening recommendations for individuals with average risk of colon cancer
• Fecal occult blood tests
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Screening colonoscopy
• Virtual colonoscopy
• Air contrast (double contrast) barium enema
• Surveillance recommendations for individuals with higher then average risk of colon cancer
• Patients with history of colon polyps
• Patients with history of colorectal cancer
• Patients with ulcerative colitis
• Family history of colorectal cancer
• What are hereditary colon cancer syndromes?
• Who should consider genetic counseling and testing and how is it conducted?
• Summary of colon cancer screening
• Patient Comments: Colon Cancer Screening - Testing
• Colon Cancer Screening Index

Summary of colon cancer screening

Colon cancer is preventable and curable. Colon cancer is preventable by removing precancerous colon polyps, and it is curable if early cancer is surgically removed before cancer spreads to other parts of the body. Therefore, if screening and surveillance programs were practiced universally, there would be a major reduction in the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer.

Ongoing genetic research will help doctors better understand the genetic basis of colorectal cancer formation. Genetic blood tests and tests for premalignant cells in stool may also have a role in colorectal cancer screening. Regardless of what new screening methods become available, you should remember to discuss colon cancer screening and/or surveillance as it relates to your situation.

For further information, please read the Cancer of the Colon and Rectum article.