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
• Pictures of Colorectal (Colon) Cancer - Slideshow
• Pictures of Digestive Disease Myths - Slideshow
• 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.

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