As one of the most prevalent and potentially life-threatening forms of cancer, colon cancer makes it imperative that you are vigilant. The colon has an important role in the digestive process. Taking care of your long-term gut and colon health is a powerful choice.

With colon cancer, prevention is not just a possibility; it's a potent reality that’s within reach.

Consider this: When colon cancer is detected and treated before it spreads to other organs, it has shown high chances of long-term remission. In fact, almost 90% of patients not only survive but thrive beyond 5 years post-treatment! But when colon cancer spreads beyond the colon, the chance of survival beyond 5 years drops dramatically.

There is no secret to this statistic. Early detection and timely intervention for proactive health management is the key.

Colon cancer does not develop overnight. It can take 10 to 15 years for it to develop and the tumor to be detected. This means regular screening tests can be a powerful tool against colon cancer.

Detecting and addressing potential issues early on means that you improve your chances of long-term remission and arm yourself with the knowledge to make informed health choices.

This blog post will reveal eye-opening statistics that emphasize the pervasive nature of colon cancer and underscore the life-saving benefits of early detection.

When normal cells in the colon undergo genetic mutations, they can trigger abnormal cell growth, leading to tumors. Genetic mutations may occur due to various factors, such as genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices. 

When these mutations disrupt the usual checks and balances that regulate cell growth, it results in an uncontrolled increase of abnormal cells, forming tumors in the colon. Genetic mutations may be caused by a number of factors.

• Genetic factors play a significant part in colon cancer occurrence. Some people may have inherited gene mutations that predispose them to a higher risk. 
• Microenvironments like the gut microbiome and inflammatory processes can significantly influence the development of colon cancer. 
• Lifestyle choices, such as diet, physical activity, and smoking, also contribute to colon cancer development. 

The importance of early detection of colon cancer cannot be overstated. Detecting and addressing the disease in its initial stages dramatically improves treatment outcomes and long-term prognosis.

A colonoscopy is one of the primary and most comprehensive methods for colon cancer screening. This test provides a direct visual examination of the entire colon and rectum areas, making the detection of abnormalities, polyps, and potential cancerous growths possible.

During a colonoscopy, a flexible tube equipped with a tiny camera (colonoscope) is inserted into the colon. Unlike other screening methods that may focus on specific indicators like blood or DNA markers, a colonoscopy provides a holistic view of the colon's health.

One of the significant advantages of colonoscopy is its ability not only to detect but also to address identified issues immediately. During the procedure, any identified polyps (small, non-cancerous growths) can be removed, preventing them from potentially developing into cancer over time. 

Virtual Colonoscopy, also known as CT Colonography or VC, is a technological advancement in colon cancer screening, offering a non-invasive and highly detailed alternative to traditional colonoscopy.

VC uses advanced computed tomography (CT) scanning technology to create detailed, 3-D images of the colon and rectum. This innovative approach eliminates the need for a conventional colonoscope, making it a less invasive option for those who may be hesitant or unable to undergo traditional colonoscopy.

Laboratory tests play a pivotal role in colon cancer screening, offering non-invasive and insightful methods for early detection. 

This test detects hidden blood in a stool sample. Microscopic amounts of blood that are usually not visible to the naked eye may be shed from abnormal growths or polyps in the colon. 

While a positive result doesn't conclusively diagnose cancer, it prompts additional diagnostic steps, often including more in-depth screening methods like colonoscopy for precise assessment.

FOBT is a cost-effective and non-invasive screening test. This makes it an ideal candidate for routine screenings, ensuring widespread accessibility. 

The Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is similar to the FOBT. However, it is more specific to human blood, minimizing potential false positives caused by dietary factors or non-human blood sources. 

This test has greater accuracy and reduces the likelihood of misleading results. This fact makes FIT a more reliable screening tool and an invaluable asset in routine screenings.

This innovative test analyzes DNA markers in a stool sample, looking for changes in cells that may indicate the presence of colon cancer or precancerous conditions. This test is usually used to complement data from other screening methods to understand your condition comprehensively.

Blood tests offer a different technique for colon cancer screening. They focus on the specific markers associated with the presence of cancer cells in the bloodstream. With these tests, the levels of particular markers are analyzed. Elevated levels can signal the presence of cancer cells, aiding in early detection.

In cases where colon cancer is diagnosed, monitoring tumor marker levels through blood tests becomes integral to treatment plans. 

At RGCC, our advanced circulating tumor cells (CTC) tests, such as the OncoTrail and OncoTrace, are useful for patients with colon cancer. Both tests can provide crucial information on the presence of CTCs in patients who have been diagnosed with colon cancer. 

While the OncoTrace test can be used to establish a baseline at the start of treatment, the OncoTrail test can help monitor treatment efficacy.

The tests provide essential information on the effectiveness of your current colon cancer treatments and contribute to personalized treatment planning. Follow-up tests can also be used to monitor your health and assess the risk of recurrence.

The frequency with which you carry out colorectal cancer screenings depends on your risk factors, age, and the chosen screening methods. Common recommendations include:

• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) and Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): Recommended annually for people with average risk.
• Stool DNA Test: Recommended every three years, although the optimal frequency may vary based on individual risk factors.
• Blood Tests for Tumor Markers: The recommended frequency depends on individual risk factors and treatment plans for diagnosed cases.
• Colonoscopy: Typically recommended every 10 years for those at average risk and with more frequent screenings for those at higher risk.
• Virtual Colonoscopy: Generally recommended once every five years for those at average risk.

Those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors may require more frequent screenings or an earlier start to screening protocols.

Additionally, combining lab tests with other screening methods, such as colonoscopy or virtual colonoscopy, improves the overall effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening.

Consult your clinician or healthcare professional to identify the best screening options for you. They will likely conduct personalized risk assessments, considering your age, family history, and personal health. 

This ensures that you receive screening recommendations tailored to your specific circumstances. They can also coordinate screening schedules and interpret results about your overall health, ensuring an integrated approach to colorectal health management.

Ultimately, the frequency of colorectal cancer screening and the combination of various methods, including lab tests, should be approached with careful consideration of factors that impact each individual. 

Discover groundbreaking testing solutions pioneered by RGCC, which throw light on the path toward better colorectal health. 

Our state-of-the-art research centers employ advanced tests and protocols to offer a comprehensive yet personalized view of each patient’s genetics, physiology, and immune profiles. We offer a paradigm shift in cancer care technology and protocols.

Our mission is to empower patients with unique insights into their cancer biology, guiding them toward success in their cancer journey.

Contact us today to start your journey to empowering information for your cancer treatment by contacting us online.