Idaho CareLine
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Colon cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps, which are abnormal growths in the colon or rectum. During a procedure called a colonoscopy, the polyps are removed before they turn into cancer. If everyone age 50 and over were screened for colon cancer, many colon cancer deaths would be prevented. Learn more key facts about colon cancer.
It is recommended that everyone should get screened starting at age 45. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you should talk to your medical provider about getting screened earlier. All Idaho adults should get into the habit of regular screenings.
With all of the following tests, you receive a test kit from your health care provider. At home, you use a stick or brush to obtain a small amount of stool. You may be asked to do this for several bowel movements in a row. You return the test to the doctor or a lab, where stool samples are checked for blood.