Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Screening, and Treatment

Colon cancer (also called Colorectal cancer) is one of the most common cancers—but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable when detected early.

Routine screening with colonoscopy and timely care can detect colon cancer in its earliest stages—or even prevent it entirely by removing precancerous polyps.

Dr. Stephenson provides comprehensive evaluation, screening, and surgical treatment for colon cancer with a focus on early detection and personalized care.

What Are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?

Many people ask: “What are the early signs of colon cancer?”

Symptoms may include:

Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
Abdominal pain or cramping
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue or anemia

Important: These symptoms can be caused by other conditions, but they should always be evaluated.

When Should You Get Screened for Colon Cancer?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends:

Starting screening at age 45 for average-risk adults
Earlier screening if you have risk factors such as family history

The most effective screening test is a colonoscopy, which allows for both detection and removal of precancerous polyps.

Why Colonoscopy Is the Gold Standard

A colonoscopy is the only screening test that can:

Directly examine the entire colon
Detect early cancers
Remove polyps before they become cancer

Other tests, such as stool-based screening, can be helpful—but if abnormal, they still require a colonoscopy.

👉 This is why colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer prevention.

How Is Colon Cancer Treated?

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and may include:

Surgery to remove the cancerous portion of the colon
Chemotherapy in certain cases
Targeted or advanced therapies when appropriate

Surgery is often the primary treatment, especially when cancer is detected early.

Colon Cancer Surgery

Colon cancer surgery typically involves removing the affected portion of the colon along with nearby lymph nodes.

Modern techniques include:

Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) surgery
Faster recovery and shorter hospital stays
Improved precision and outcomes

Dr. Stephenson will tailor your personal treatment plan to your specific diagnosis, treatment goals, and needs.

What Is the Survival Rate for Colon Cancer?

When detected early, colon cancer is highly treatable:

Early-stage colon cancer has a high survival rate
Screening dramatically improves outcomes
Removal of precancerous polyps can prevent cancer entirely

👉 Early detection truly saves lives.

Who Is at Risk for Colon Cancer?

Risk factors include:

Age over 45
Family history of colon cancer or polyps
Personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
Diet, lifestyle, and certain genetic conditions

Even without risk factors, screening is still essential.

Learn More About Colon Cancer

For trusted, in-depth information, visit:

American Cancer Society – Colon cancer symptoms, prevention, and treatment
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Screening and prevention information
National Cancer Institute – Comprehensive colon cancer education and research

Frequently Asked Questions

Is colon cancer preventable?
Yes. Removing precancerous polyps during colonoscopy can prevent cancer from developing.

Is colonoscopy painful?
No. The procedure is performed with sedation, and most patients are comfortable throughout.

How often do I need a colonoscopy?
For most average-risk patients, every 10 years if results are normal.

What happens if something is found?
Polyps can often be removed immediately. If cancer is detected, your care team will guide next steps.