However, it should be noted that colon cancer may not have any symptoms.
Colon cancer symptoms can also be caused by other problems such as ulcers, an inflamed colon or hemorrhoids. If you develop any of these symptoms, see your health care provider.
Colorectal cancers occur most often in people who are over the age of 50, and the risk increases as people get older. This is why we recommend colon cancer screening for everyone, age 50 and older.
For an average risk patient, the following screening tests can be used. You and your health care provider can decide which colon cancer test schedule is best for you:
Having a first order relative (parent, sister or brother or child) who has had colorectal cancer increases a person's risk of developing this disease. The more family members who have had colon cancer, the higher the risk.
Most colorectal cancers develop in certain types of polyps or tissue growths. Colorectal polyps are noncancerous, but they may become cancerous over time.
Over time, colorectal polyps, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease cause inflammation of the lining of the colon. A history of these diseases greatly increases the risk of colon cancer. Special screening can find early cancer changes.
Age