Colorectal cancer happens when cells in your colon or rectum grow abnormally and out of control. It may start in a polyp, or small growth, in your colon or rectum. The cancer cells can spread to other parts of your body. This cancer is also called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where the cancer is. It is...

A stool test is one of many tests used to look for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer affects the large intestine ( colon) and the rectum. Stool tests look for signs of blood or cancer in a stool sample. Stool tests include: Fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT). Stool DNA test, also...

Guides you through choosing a test to check for colorectal cancer. Looks at symptoms of colorectal cancer. Covers stool tests, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and virtual colonoscopy. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Provides links to info on cancer. Topics covered include breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and cancer pain. Links to info that can help you make a decision on diagnostic or screening tests. Includes info on treatment choices.

Discusses testing and diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Covers polyps, small growths inside the colon or rectum. Includes when screening tests such as colonoscopy should be done. Discusses treatment with surgery and chemotherapy. Offers prevention tips.

Discusses blood test that can tell you if you carry rare changed genes that can cause colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer. Covers familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Looks at colonoscopy screening. Discusses risks. Includes genetic counseling.

Learn what tests are used to check for colon cancer (colorectal cancer) and what the results may mean.

Discusses colon and rectal cancers that return after treatment or that spread to other parts of the body. Looks at symptoms. Discusses treatment with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Experts believe that one-third to one-half of all cancers can be prevented. That's because certain daily habits can make us more likely to get cancer. Changing these habits may help prevent cancer. For example, it may help to quit smoking, stay active, stay at a healthy weight, and get regular checkups and screenings...

Describes colonoscopy, a screening test that examines the lining of the large intestine. Explains that the test is done to look for polyps in the colon or rectum and to check for colorectal cancer. Discusses preparing for the test and how it is done.

Discusses cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) test that can help show if some types of cancer are present. Covers its use to check how well treatment for ovarian cancer is working or to see if ovarian cancer has returned. Covers possible test results.

Discusses colon polyps. Covers causes and symptoms. Covers screening tests such as fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy. Looks at treatments.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases the risk of colon cancer. The amount of increased risk depends on the type of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease of the colon), how much of the intestine is involved, and how long you have had IBD.

Computed tomographic colonography (CTC) is a screening test that looks for signs of colorectal cancer. This test is also called a virtual colonoscopy. A CT scanner takes X-ray pictures of your colon and rectum from outside your body. A computer arranges the pictures into a detailed image that can show polyps or other...

Covers screening tests, diagnostic tests, and medical exams used to find a disease or determine risk for certain health problems. Covers well-child visits. Includes links to info on routine tests for men, for women, and at various stages of life.