A colon cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. If caught in its earliest stages, the colon cancer survival rate is 96%. But that means we have to catch it--a goal that requires each of us to stay in tune with our body and start getting screened for the disease at age 50 (or earlier if we have a family history of colon cancer).

Diagnostic methods
Screening and diagnosing colon cancer are often done simultaneously; for instance, if a polyp is discovered during a screening colonoscopy, it will likely be biopsied to see if it is malignant.

The following are the methods used to both screen and diagnose, or to follow up on a worrisome screening result.

• X-ray of the large intestine: Those of us who are experiencing symptoms such as constipation, chronic diahrrea, or blood in the stool, may have our intestine x-rayed to see if the root of the problem is visible. This test is usually given to those under age 50 and with no family history of colon cancer. It can be helpful in finding polyps or intestinal changes.

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Less invasive and uncomfortable than colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy allows our doctors to view the lower portion of our colon and rectum and remove any polyps or suspicious tissues that might be found for viewing under a microscope.

• Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy allows our doctors to view and sample our entire colon and rectum. As with flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy allows doctors to remove and examine polyps or suspicious tissues.

Colonoscopy quotables
Overheard in the procedure room:

• "Could you write me a note for my wife, saying that my head is not, in fact, up there?"

• "Hey! Now I know how a Muppet feels!"

• "Hey, Doc, let me know if you find my dignity."

Diagnosis
Waiting for the results of a biopsy can be excruciating. But try to remember, no matter what the results, you can get through it. With the medical advances of today and the loving support of friends and family, none of us has to let a diagnosis of colon cancer control our life.

Like most cancers, colon cancer is usually classified by stages. It's important for each of us to know not only whether or not we have colon cancer, but what stage it's in, because that will play a role in knowing our prognosis and evaluating our treatment options.

• Stage 0: the cancer is localized to the innermost part of the colon.

• Stage I: the cancer is in the innermost lining of the colon, and has also spread to the second and third layers and the inner part of the colon's wall. However, it is still contained within the colon.

• Stage II: the cancer has spread outside the colon and rectum into other tissues, but has not yet spread to the lymph nodes.

• Stage III: the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes near the colon, but can not yet be found in other parts of the body.

• Stage IV: the most advanced stage of colon cancer; the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, typically the liver, brain, or lungs.
  

See also

• Colon cancer - introduction
• Colon cancer - prevalence
• Colon cancer - prevention
• Colon cancer - causes and risk factors
• Colon cancer - treatment options
• Colon cancer - prognosis
• Colon cancer - support