When it comes to colon cancer screening, a set of medical tests used to detect early signs of colorectal cancer before symptoms appear. Also known as bowel cancer screening, it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent death from this common disease. The American Cancer Society recommends starting screening at age 45 for most people, even if you feel fine. That’s because colon cancer often grows silently for years, and by the time you notice changes—like blood in stool or persistent cramps—it may already be advanced.
Screening isn’t just one test. It includes colonoscopy, a procedure where a doctor looks inside your colon with a camera, which can find and remove precancerous polyps before they turn dangerous. Then there’s the fecal occult blood test, a simple at-home stool test that checks for hidden blood, which is easy, cheap, and done yearly. Other options include stool DNA tests and CT colonography. Each has pros and cons. Some catch more early signs. Others are less invasive but need repeating more often. The best test is the one you actually do.
Many people avoid screening because they’re worried about discomfort, cost, or embarrassment. But the truth is, most people who skip screening don’t die from colon cancer because they’re too sick to get help—they die because they never got tested. And here’s the thing: if you’re over 45, have a family history, or live with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, your risk goes up. You don’t need to wait for symptoms. Waiting is the risk.
The posts below cover real issues people face—from understanding what happens during a colonoscopy, to dealing with insurance denials, to managing side effects from prep solutions. You’ll find guides on how to talk to your doctor about screening options, why some tests are covered under preventive care, and how medications you’re already taking might affect your results. This isn’t theory. It’s what people actually deal with when they take charge of their colon health.
After polyp removal, knowing when to schedule your next colonoscopy can prevent colorectal cancer. Learn the latest guidelines based on polyp type, size, and number - and why many doctors still get it wrong.