Colon Cancer

A screening could save your life.

Nine out of 10 people whose colon cancer is discovered early will be alive 5 years later - and many will live a normal life span. Colonoscopy is the best way to check for polyps that might indicate colorectal cancer. Call 317-621-2727 today to schedule an appointment with a Community colonoscopy provider or colon cancer specialist.

Are you over the age of 45? Do you have a family history of colorectal cancer? Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer? Community has the cancer answers for you when it comes to colorectal cancer care. Our partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center means that our patients have access to colon cancer specialists and advanced treatment options for colon cancer.

Community MD Anderson Physicians

Colon cancer can be prevented

Did You Know?

Here are some quick facts about colorectal cancer, who is at risk, prevention methods and treatment outcomes.

  1. Colon cancer is not just a man's cancer. It is as common in women as in men and is one of the leading cancer killers in the U.S.
  2. Colon cancer can be prevented. Healthy lifestyle combined with early detection methods can stop colorectal cancer before it starts.
  3. African-American men and women are more likely to be diagnosed and die from colon cancer than any other ethnic group.
  4. People ages 45 and older are at highest risk for colorectal cancer.
  5. Colon cancer is highly treatable if found early through testing (five-year-survival rate of 90%).

Signs and Symptoms

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. and in Indiana - in both men and women. So when should you visit your doctor? See your physician if you experience these symptoms that may indicate colorectal cancer: blood in the stool, pain in abdomen, or changes in stool or bowel habits.

Signs and Symptoms

Screening and Prevention

Screening tests help find colorectal cancer in the early stages or even before it starts. There are a variety of tests for colon cancer, but colonoscopy is the most thorough way to check for both polyps and cancer. Most people should have a colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 45. Those at high risk should start screening at an earlier age and be screened more often. In addition to screening, diet and lifestyle changes can also help prevent colon cancer.

Screening Tests and Prevention

Hear from an Expert

In this video, a Community gastroenterologist discusses risk factors and ways to prevent colon cancer, including the importance of colonoscopies to detect and treat colon cancer early. To make an appointment for a colonoscopy, call 800-777-7775.

Watch a Live Colonoscopy

Curious how it's done? A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure performed by a physician with expertise in diagnosing colon cancer. Known as the "gold standard," colonoscopies provide a thorough check of the colon and rectum. To help spread awareness of the importance of colonoscopy, Dr. Shekar Narayanan performed a live colonoscopy webcast.