Colon cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States and remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite these sobering facts, colon cancer is also highly preventable and highly treatable when caught early through routine screenings.

Screening tests are designed to detect signs of colon cancer before symptoms develop and help identify small changes like polyps that could become cancerous over time. With early detection, the chances of successful treatment and recovery increase significantly.

At Blue Stone Health & Wellness, we prioritize preventive health and are here to help you stay proactive about your colon health. We provide reliable screening options for colon cancer. Our medical team can assess your health risks and recommend the right screening approach for you.

About Colon Cancer

The colon, also known as the large intestine, plays a crucial role in your digestive health. It is responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from the food you eat while preparing waste for elimination.

Colon cancer occurs when abnormal, malignant cells grow uncontrollably within the tissues of the colon. This process often begins with small, noncancerous growths called polyps, which develop on the inner lining of the colon. Most polyps do not cause symptoms and are harmless initially. However, some can gradually change and turn cancerous over time.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing colon cancer. Age is a significant factor, with risk rising notably after age 50. However, younger adults can also be affected, especially if there is a family history of colon or rectal cancer or inherited conditions that impact the colon.

Chronic health issues like inflammatory bowel disease can also contribute to increased risk.

Why Early Detection Matters

Colon cancer typically develops slowly, often taking many years for harmless polyps to evolve into cancerous growths. Since this progression happens over time, and without symptoms in the early stages, routine screenings are a key part of prevention.

Screening tests help identify and remove polyps before they have the opportunity to turn cancerous, reducing the risk of future complications. Early detection of colon cancer can lead to more effective treatment options and better health outcomes.

When caught in its earliest stages, colon cancer is far more treatable. However, once it spreads beyond the colon, treatment becomes more complex and outcomes less certain.

Screening Tests for Colon Cancer

There are several reliable methods available to screen for potential problems in the colon. These tests are designed to look for early signs of disease or changes that might need further evaluation.

The right option for you often depends on your age, health history, and personal risk factors. At Blue Stone Health & Wellness, our provider will determine which test is best suited to you.

Stool-Based Tests

Stool-based tests are a non-invasive way to check for early signs of potential issues in the colon. These tests look for hidden blood or abnormal cells in a stool sample, which could indicate changes within the colon that may require further evaluation.

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) checks for tiny amounts of blood in the stool that are not visible to the naked eye. These small traces of blood can sometimes be caused by polyps or other abnormal growths in the colon. While a positive result does not mean you have cancer, it signals the need for further testing, often through procedures like a colonoscopy.

FOBT is a widely used screening method because it is simple, cost-effective, and accessible. This test is usually recommended once a year as part of routine preventative care.

Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) works similarly to FOBT but uses antibodies to specifically detect human blood in the stool. This targeted approach reduces the likelihood of false positives that might result from dietary factors or other non-human sources.

FIT is often considered more accurate and reliable for detecting signs of colorectal issues. Like FOBT, FIT is also typically recommended annually as part of regular screening for those at average risk.

Stool DNA Test (FIT-DNA Test)

The stool DNA test, sometimes called FIT-DNA, combines the benefits of the FIT with additional testing to identify abnormal DNA markers in the stool. These markers may indicate changes in the cells lining the colon, which could suggest the presence of polyps or colorectal cancer.

This method requires collecting an entire bowel movement, which is then sent to the lab for analysis. The stool DNA test is generally recommended once every three years.

Blood Tests

While blood tests alone cannot confirm a diagnosis, they can provide helpful information about your overall health. Common blood tests include:

• Red Blood Cell Count: Unexplained anemia, indicated by low red blood cell count, may suggest chronic blood loss in the digestive tract, potentially linked to colorectal concerns, including cancer.
• Blood Tests to Check Liver & Kidney Function: These organs play an important role in your body's overall health and can be affected if cancer spreads beyond the colon.
• CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) Test: In some cases, blood tests can be used to measure tumor markers, substances that might be found at higher levels when cancer is present. One marker occasionally associated with colon cancer is the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Elevated CEA levels may suggest that further evaluation is needed. We can collect your blood sample in our office and send the sample to an external laboratory for analysis. Once the results are processed, we review them with you and discuss next steps.

These tests are typically performed alongside other screening tests to look for indirect signs indicating that something may need further attention.

At Blue Stone Health & Wellness, we offer on-site lab services for convenient blood testing, helping you access timely and reliable results without the need for additional appointments or travel.

Visual Examination Tests

Visual examination tests allow our providers to directly assess the inside of the colon and rectum for any signs of abnormal growths, polyps, or other potential concerns. These procedures provide valuable insights into colon health and are often recommended based on age, risk factors, and previous test results.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is widely regarded as the most thorough and effective method for evaluating colon health. The procedure involves using a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope, which is equipped with a small camera and light, to examine the entire length of the colon and rectum.

Colonoscopy is typically recommended every 10 years for people at average risk, though recommendations may vary based on your health history.

Sigmoidoscopy

A sigmoidoscopy is a procedure similar to a colonoscopy, but it focuses only on the lower part of the colon, specifically the rectum and the sigmoid colon. This exam uses a shorter, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera to inspect these areas for signs of polyps, abnormal tissue, or cancer.

While sigmoidoscopy does not examine the entire colon, it can still be a valuable tool, particularly when combined with stool-based tests. This test is generally recommended every 5 years, or every 10 years if combined with annual FIT testing.

Virtual Colonoscopy (CT Colonography)

Also known as CT Colonography, a virtual colonoscopy offers a non-invasive option for visualizing the colon. This test uses advanced computed tomography (CT) technology to create detailed, 3D images of the colon and rectum. It helps examine the inner lining of the colon without the need for a traditional scope.

Virtual colonoscopy can be an appealing choice for people who prefer to avoid sedation or who may not be candidates for a standard colonoscopy. However, it is important to note that if any abnormalities are found during this imaging test, a traditional colonoscopy will still be necessary. This test is typically recommended every 5 years.

When to Get Screened for Colon Cancer

The timing and frequency of colon cancer screenings depend on your age, health history, family background, and the chosen screening methods.

For most people at average risk, it is recommended to begin screening around age 45. However, some people may need to begin screening earlier or be screened more frequently, depending on their individual risk factors.

You may be considered at higher risk if you have:

• A family and personal history of colorectal cancer
• A history of colon polyps
• Inherited conditions, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
• Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

At Blue Stone Health & Wellness, our team can help you understand your risk profile and create a personalized screening plan that aligns with your health needs.

Schedule Your Colon Cancer Screenings in Weimar, CA

Taking care of your colon health is an important step in protecting your overall well-being. At Blue Stone Health & Wellness, we are here to help you stay on top of routine screenings and make informed decisions about your health.

If you are due for a screening or simply want to discuss your risk factors, we encourage you to reach out.

To schedule a consultation, please call us at (530) 637-4025 or book an appointment online. We also offer same-week appointments so you can get the care you need without unnecessary delays.