Things You'll Need:
- Computer with Internet access
- Annual physical
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Step 1
Learn who's at risk. Smokers over the age of 50 with a family history of colon cancer are at the greatest risk. Individuals who regularly consume red meat and alcohol and fail to exercise are also more likely to develop colon cancer. The PatientLinx Web site reviews potential colon cancer candidates in more detail (see Resources below).
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Step 2
Realize that your initial diagnosis addresses only certain criteria. Because colon cancer often has no symptoms, your doctor will base any early diagnosis on a mix of risk factors and basic screenings, like a fecal occult blood test.
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Step 3
Explore the diagnostic tests doctors perform to detect colon cancer. Check out MedicineNet for a review of colon cancer tests (see Resources below). These include fecal occult blood tests, barium enema X-rays and colonoscopies.
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Step 4
Insist on a colonoscopy if you are having any symptoms. While a healthy person's screening schedule includes a colonoscopy at age 50 and every three to five years after that, once you experience symptoms, you should bypass basic screening tests and start your diagnosis and treatment with a colonoscopy at once.
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Step 5
Wait for biopsy results. During your colonoscopy, tissue samples will be tested for cancerous cells. While your polyps may be precancerous, now is a good time to modify your diet to include more fruit and less red meat. Polyps, whether malignant or not, often return.
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Step 6
Follow up with an oncologist or cancer center. While your regular doctor can make a diagnosis, once cancerous cells are found, you will be referred to a specialist. Many of the tests will be repeated, and further tests will be conducted to determine if the cancer has spread. The entire diagnostic process will guide your choices for treatment. Refer to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for more information (see Resources below).
