Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine, also known as the colon. The colon is the final part of the digestive tract and the most susceptible to abnormal growths. Most cases of colon cancer begin as noncancerous polyps, but over time some of these polyps form into colon cancer.
The problem is that polyps are so small that they produce few—if any—symptoms. As a result, it is recommended that patients have regular screenings to detect the disease at its earliest stages before any polyps even have the chance to become cancerous.
Colon cancer screenings are now recommended to begin at age 45 by the American Cancer Society. The most successful procedure for early colon cancer detection is the colonoscopy. It's the GOLD STANDARD.
