Bloody or tarry stools

The earlier you detect colon cancer, the more likely that treatment will be successful. The American Cancer Society recommends one or more of the following screening tests after age 50 for early detection of colon cancer and pre-cancer:

• Fecal occult blood testing every year.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy or barium enema every five years.
• Colonoscopy every 10 years.

Screening tests should be started earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps. Tests should also be performed more often if you have had polyps, colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Green BT, Tendler DA. Ischemic Colitis: A Clinical Review. South Med J. 2005; 98 (2): 217-222.

Cappell MS. The role of sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy in the diagnosis and management of lower gastrointestinal disorders: technique, indications, and contraindications. Med Clin North Am. 2002; 86(6): 1217-1252.

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