unfortunately colon cancers can be well advanced before they are detected. the most effective prevention of colon cancer is early detection and removal of precancerous colon polyps before they turn cancerous. even in cases where cancer has already developed early detection still significantly improves the chances of a cure by surgically removing the cancer before the disease spreads to other organs. multiple world health organizations have suggested general screening guidelines. digital rectal examination and stool occult blood testing it is recommended that all individuals over the age of 40 have yearly digital examinations of the rectum and their stool tested for hidden or "occult" blood. during digital examination of the rectum the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormal growths. stool samples can be obtained to test for occult blood. the prostate gland can be examined at the same time. an important screening test for colorectal cancers and polyps is the stool occult blood test. tumors of the colon and rectum tend to bleed slowly into the stool. the small amount of blood mixed into the stool is usually not visible to the naked eye. the commonly used stool occult blood tests rely on chemical color conversions to detect microscopic amounts of blood. colon cancers found under these circumstances tend to be early and have a better long-term prognosis. flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy beginning at age 50 a flexible sigmoidoscopy screening tests is recommended every three to five years. flexible sigmoidoscopy is an exam of the rectum and the lower colon using a viewing tube (a short version of colonoscopy). recent studies have shown that the use of screening flexible sigmoidoscopy can reduce mortality from colon cancer. this is a result of the detection of polyps or early cancers in people with no symptoms. if a polyp or cancer is found a complete colonoscopy is recommended. the majority of colon polyps can be completely removed by colonoscopy without open surgery. recently doctors are recommending screening colonoscopies instead of screening flexible sigmoidoscopies for healthy individuals starting at ages 50-55. patients with a high risk of developing colorectal cancer may undergo colonoscopies starting at earlier ages than 50. genetic counseling and testing blood tests are now available to test for fap afap myh and hnpcc hereditary colon cancer syndromes. families with multiple members having colon cancers members with multiple colon polyps members having cancers at young ages and having other cancers such as cancers of the ureters uterus duodenum etc. should be referred for genetic counseling followed possibly by genetic testing. genetic testing without prior counseling is discouraged because of the extensive family education that is involved and the complicated nature of interpreting the test results. diet and colon cancer to prevent colon cancer people can change their eating habits by reducing fat intake and increasing fiber (roughage) in their diet. major sources of fat are meat eggs dairy products salad dressings and oils used in cooking. fiber is the insoluble nondigestible part of plant material present in fruits vegetables and whole-grain breads and cereals. it is postulated that high fiber in the diet leads to the creation of bulky stools which can rid the intestines of potential carcinogens. in addition fiber leads to the more rapid transit of fecal material through the intestine thus allowing less time for a potential carcinogen to react with the intestinal lining.
how can colon cancer be prevented?