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Colon Cancer News
Dec. 18, 2023 — A team of scientists has successfully developed a groundbreaking targeted therapy that hones in on the KRAS protein that drives some of the deadliest human cancers, including pancreatic, lung and ...
June 28, 2023 — In an exciting new study adding to the global pool of knowledge about the roots of human cancers, researchers are establishing a clear link between different types of cancers and their embryonic ...
May 31, 2023 — A new study has linked certain types of gut bacteria to the development of precancerous colon ...
Mar. 16, 2023 — Researchers outline the complexities of young-onset colorectal cancer and the research needed to map out a path toward understanding ...
Jan. 17, 2023 — Researchers studied human colon cancer tissue samples and animal models and found that exposure to salmonella was linked with colon cancers that developed earlier and grew ...
Dec. 1, 2022 — About 80% of people with cancer suffer from significant muscle wasting, or loss of muscle tissue, and 30% of these patients die from this condition. New research in mice finds that the severity of ...
Nov. 29, 2022 — A scientific study exploring the appropriate interval for colorectal cancer screening via non-invasive multi-target stool DNA testing for individuals with average risk for the disease reported ...
Nov. 25, 2022 — Researchers have designed cancer-fighting nanoparticles that co-deliver a chemotherapy drug and a novel immunotherapy, according to a new ...
Nov. 18, 2022 — A dietary change could be a key to enhancing colon cancer treatment, a new study finds. Researchers found in cells and in mice that a low-protein diet blocked the nutrient signaling pathway that ...
Nov. 17, 2022 — Researchers have discovered a new mechanism that explains why only some of the cells in a colon tumor respond to chemotherapy. The research team was able to establish that tumor cells dying off ...
Nov. 9, 2022 — Researchers report the discovery of the population of residual tumor cells responsible for the recurrence of colorectal cancer in other organs after removal of the primary tumor. The study shows that ...
Oct. 27, 2022 — Medical researchers have developed new chemical compounds that show promise in a potential anticancer therapy to treat aggressive ...
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Oct. 17, 2022 — Researchers have identified a new gene that is essential to colon cancer growth and found that inflammation in the external environment around the tumor can contribute to the growth of tumor ...
Sep. 8, 2022 — Physical activity may be associated with improved outcomes for patients undergoing postoperative treatment for Stage III colon cancer, a new study ...
Aug. 10, 2022 — In a new study, researchers define how the circadian clock influences cell growth, metabolism and tumor progression. Their research also reveals how disruption of the circadian clock impacts genome ...
Aug. 4, 2022 — Researchers have combined optical coherence tomography (OCT) and machine learning to develop a colorectal cancer imaging tool that may one day improve the traditional endoscopy currently used by ...
Aug. 2, 2022 — Colorectal tumors are a common adverse effect of chronic inflammation of the intestine. In a new study, researchers demonstrate that mice models with dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) protein ...
July 25, 2022 — Researchers designed a silicon-based agent that successfully generated hydrogen continuously in the mouse gastrointestinal tract in an ulcerative colitis (UC) model. The hydrogen served as an ...
July 14, 2022 — Data suggest that Clostridioides difficile, or C. Diff, a bacterial species well known for causing serious diarrheal infections, may also drive colorectal ...
How To Prepare For A Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is one of the best ways to spot or help prevent colon cancer. But many people who should have the procedure don't. Often that's because they're afraid of what they have to go through to get ready for it.
Before your procedure, you'll go through a process called colonoscopy preparation, and it could begin a few days ahead of time. It's inconvenient and somewhat unpleasant, but it's temporary, and it might help save your life.
Here's how to make the process as smooth as possible.
Colonoscopy prep involves cleaning out your bowels so your doctor can see inside of your colon. It involves strong laxatives and changes to your diet in the days leading up to the procedure. (Photo credit: iStock/Getty Images)
Your doctor is your best source of information about how to get ready. When you schedule the procedure, you'll get instructions. Read them over well before your appointment, and call your doctor if you have any questions.
Clear your schedule for the evening before and the day of your colonoscopy, and make plans for someone to go with you the day of the colonoscopy.
Shop for some key supplies several days ahead, too. Your list may include:
Why do doctors prescribe laxatives before colonoscopy?
Laxatives help clean out your bowels so your doctor can see the inside of your colon. They may come as a prescription or be bought over the counter. Preparing for a colonoscopy isn't easy, but remind yourself that this is a smart step to protect your health. Not preparing well could mean your doctor will postpone or cancel your colonoscopy, or you'll need to have another one.
But if you prepare well, your doctor will be able to see what they need, and your colonoscopy will go faster. And if your results are good, it may be 10 years before you have to go through it again.
Your bowels must be empty so your doctor can see the inside of your colon more clearly. You can help the bowel cleansing process by eating light 3 or 4 days before the procedure.
Recommended colonoscopy prep diet
Doctors recommend low-fiber foods that are easy to digest and leave your system quickly.
You can have:
Don't eat:
At this point, you should stop taking vitamins or other supplements. Ask your doctor whether and when you should stop taking any prescription medicines you use regularly and any over-the-counter anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning meds.
The day before your procedure, you can't eat anything solid. You should only consume clear (see-through) liquids.
Recommended colonoscopy prep drinks
Staying hydrated is important -- drink lots of clear liquids, such as sports drinks, clear juice like apple and white grape, and clear broth. Soda is OK, and so are coffee and tea, but without cream. You can have gelatin and ice pops, but stay away from anything colored red, blue, or purple. The dyes can discolor the lining of the colon and make it harder for the doctor to see. Also, avoid alcohol and drinks you can't see through, like milk or orange juice.
Two to four hours before the procedure, be sure not to drink or eat anything (please consult your doctor on the exact time to stop consuming clear liquids).
When should I start prep for a 7 a.M. Colonoscopy?
You'll drink the laxative the evening before your colonoscopy and will stop eating solid food after breakfast the day before.
You'll take strong laxatives the night before your colonoscopy to clear your digestive tract. The method recommended for most people is split dosing. You'll drink a half-gallon of liquid laxative in the evening, and then you'll get up about 6 hours before your appointment to drink another half-gallon.
You probably won't enjoy the taste of the solution, but there are tricks to help get it down:
Once the laxative starts working, you'll have frequent, forceful diarrhea. You may have cramps and bloating. If you have hemorrhoids, they may become irritated. You may also feel nauseated and even vomit. If so, your doctor may recommend you take a short break.
Try these tips to make yourself as comfortable as possible:
The purge process may still be happening as you head to your appointment. If you're worried about having an accident, consider wearing adult diapers and pack extra clothes.
What does colonoscopy prep poop look like?
If you have completed the process appropriately and it has worked effectively, your stool should look like urine or clear water.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) kits
Bowel prep for colonoscopy often uses a laxative called polyethylene glycol (PEG). It comes as a powder, and you mix it with lots of water. It may include electrolytes, or you can take it with a sports drink.
PEG bowel preps work well for colonoscopy prep, and they're gentle on your intestines, which is especially good for people with IBS symptoms. But they do require a lot of drinking (up to 4 liters), and the taste can be hard to handle.
Oral sodium phosphate (OSP) kits
These colonoscopy prep medications in tablet form have sodium phosphate and other ingredients. You'll drink less water with them, around 3 liters instead of the typical 4. While they may work well, OSP medicines can cause stomach-related side effects.
Saline-based kits
Saline-based laxatives use sodium phosphate (NaP) as the active ingredient, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium. These are often in tablet form and can substitute liquid bowel prep.
This type of bowel prep can be easier to swallow for people who struggle with PEG preps. But a saline-based laxative may irritate your intestines if you have an inflammatory GI disease. It's also unsafe for people with a higher chance of fluid-electrolyte imbalances due to certain health conditions or medications.
Hybrid kits
If you're worried about bloating, cramping, gas, or other side effects, talk to your doctor about a hybrid bowel prep. These use an osmotic laxative (the active ingredient that makes you poop) along with one that may cause fewer side effects.
What colonoscopy prep is best for kidney patients?
If you have kidney disease, a PEG prep is your best bet to avoid health problems related to losing fluid and electrolytes.
After your colonoscopy, you might feel bloated or gassy for a few hours. It's also normal to see a bit of blood in your first bowel movement after the exam. But if you keep seeing blood or have ongoing stomach pain or a fever, contact your doctor.
What is the easiest colonoscopy prep to tolerate?
It varies from person to person. For example, people with certain health conditions, like kidney, heart, or gastrointestinal disease, may tolerate one prep more than another. Talk to your doctor about which option is best for you.
Should you expect weight loss after colonoscopy?
Yes, but it's water weight, and you'll probably gain it back after the procedure.
Colonoscopy Prep Timeline
Three days before your procedure, eat a low-fiber diet and avoid seeds, nuts, corn, and popcorn. One day before, drink clear liquids and avoid solid food and red liquids. Two to four hours ahead of your colonoscopy, avoid all liquids.
A colonoscopy is crucial for detecting or preventing colon cancer, but many avoid it due to the preparation process. To make sure you have a successful colonoscopy, your colon needs to be empty. This calls for a change in your diet and strong laxatives beforehand. Adjust your diet to include light, low-fiber foods leading up to the procedure, and stop certain medications and supplements as your doctor advises. The day before, drink only clear liquids, avoiding colored ones. The night before, you'll take strong laxatives in two doses. If you've done your prep right, your poop should be clear by the end.
How painful is a colonoscopy?
You'll likely be asleep or sedated during your colonoscopy, so you won't feel anything. If you choose lighter sedation or none at all, you're more likely to feel discomfort or pain during the procedure.
Do they put you to sleep for a colonoscopy?
Most colonoscopies in the U.S. Happen while patients are asleep or heavily sedated.
At what age should you get a colonoscopy?
Experts suggest that most people start colon cancer screening at age 45. You may need screening at a younger age if you have inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
How long does a colonoscopy usually take?
The procedure normally takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
5 FIT Test Options In 2024
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A FIT can detect abnormal activity that could signal colon cancer. It's also done in the privacy of your home. Here are five tests to consider.
Colon cancer often has few symptoms until it's at an advanced stage. For this reason, everyone over age 45 is advised to screen for colon cancer. But not everyone wants to undergo a colonoscopy, which is the gold standard for ruling out colon cancer.
A fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which detects blood in the stool, is a less invasive way that people at average risk of colon cancer can check their colon health at home.
Along with being less invasive, FITs can be convenient and more cost-effective. According to the American Cancer Society, FIT screening must be done yearly to check colon health appropriately.
Read on to learn more about FITs and our recommendations for options to consider.
Best with subscription optionUse code "HEALTHLINE25" for 25% off.
Healthline's reviewEverlywell offers a range of at-home health tests, including a FIT kit.
A bonus of using this test is that Everlywell offers other services along with the test, like help with understanding results, the ability to chat with one of their physicians about test results, and other resources for colon cancer.
The drawback is that this kit requires you to handle stool to send it to one of the Everlywell labs. You can do this by using the brush provided in your kit. You'll need to brush your stool for about 5 seconds before the brush is dabbed onto the test card, only transferring the water onto the card. Then, you'll do the process again using a second brush.
Everlywell works only with labs that are Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified, meaning the labs must meet high standards to get both state and federal certifications. Plus, these labs must also submit themselves to regular inspections.
Everlywell has a membership program for $39 per month that offers access to a qualifying test every month. So, if you'd like to perform other health checks from home, like an HIV test or cholesterol test, Everlywell makes that easy.
Everlywell accepts health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) cards. They also offer free shipping for both receiving the kit and sending the sample.
Pros & consUse code "HEALTHLINE25" for 25% off
Healthline's reviewLetsGetChecked offers over 30 at-home health tests.
Its FIT requires you to collect your stool sample for lab testing. After your bowel movement, you'll use the provided tool to collect a sample, and put it into the provided collection tube. The tube will be placed in a biohazard bag and box for mailing to the lab. The sample should be sent to the lab the same day you do the test.
If your test is positive, LetsGetChecked may contact you about next steps.
Results are available in 2 to 5 days, and HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Pros & consLabcorp has been around for more than 50 years. This network of College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited and CLIA certified laboratories reportedly handles about 3 million patient samples every week.
For this test, you'll register your kit online. You'll need to return your sample to FedEx by pickup or drop box on the same day you take it.
The test kit comes with instructions, a wand, capture paper to collect your sample, and packaging to mail it for testing.
LabCorp has partnered with PWNHealth, a network of physicians. If your test result is positive, you will hear from someone from the network to discuss next steps.
It's worth noting that since PWNHealth receives the test results, this may be a drawback for those who want results to remain private.
Pros & consTo perform this test, you'll collect your stool sample using a tube with an attached wand. You'll gather your stool with the wand and then put it back into the tube. Next, you'll add some of the provided solution to the test cassette. The window on the test will give you your results in just 1 to 3 minutes.
Two lines indicate a positive test result, which means that blood is present in the stool. One line indicates a negative result.
You can buy this test online or find it at major retailers, such as CVS. It's tax-free and doesn't have a shipping fee.
Pros & consThis is a FIT DNA test to test both cancer and pre-cancer.
This makes Cologuard unique compared with other tests on this list, since it looks for the presence of DNA markers as well as blood (hemoglobin) in the stool. This makes it a more sensitive test, and the only FIT-type test on the list able to detect nonbleeding polyps.
One thing to keep in mind is that results are reported as positive or negative without differentiating which part of the test returned positive (DNA versus blood). Following up with a health professional and likely another test is key.
People between the ages of 50 and 75 may be able to get Cologuard without any out-of-pocket cost. For those without insurance or with insurance plans that don't cover it, the maximum price for this test is $649.
This test is also FDA approved.
Pros & consWe looked for tests that:
Our Brand and Content Integrity team also vetted all the options on our list, ensuring that each test met our medical and business standards.
There are a few key factors to consider before ordering your FIT.
If you have insurance, decide if you prefer to use a test that accepts your coverage. If you don't mind paying out of pocket, you may be able to consider more options.
Also, consider whether you're comfortable directly handling stool or not. The sample collection process for some tests is more involved, while others are more flexible.
Finally, look at how long some companies take to give you results. Results may take just a few days or up to a couple of weeks in some cases. You can also opt for a kit like the one from Pinnacle Biolabs, which gives you results in minutes at home.
Doing a FIT once a year is a good option for those at average risk of colon cancer who don't want to undergo a colonoscopy, have less access to colonoscopies, or prefer a less invasive screening option and don't mind doing a FIT at home.
Colonoscopies are the benchmark method for testing for colon cancer, but they're not popular for a few different reasons. They generally require disruptive preparation, including diet or medication restrictions and taking laxatives.
Colonoscopies are often performed under general anesthesia, although other options may be available. They also mean time off from work.
And while they're not painful, they can be uncomfortable.
According to a 2021 review, only 67% of people in the United States are up to date with their colorectal cancer screening.
FIT may help bridge the gap in regular screening for those at average risk of colon cancer who may have less access to a colonoscopy or who simply prefer a less invasive and more convenient screening option.
Other than being ready for a bowel movement, there's no prep work required for using a FIT.
Testing generally requires that you brush your stool with a provided tool and transfer the sample to a test card or paper, which you will then put into a provided container. You'll write your name, date, and other important information before mailing your sample lab in the included prepaid packaging.
Most kits include similar instructions, but be sure to read yours carefully.
It's best not to take stool tests during your menstrual period or while actively bleeding from hemorrhoids.
If your test result is negative, you can simply plan on doing another test in 1 year or when your healthcare team advises.
If your test result is positive, this means there is blood in your stool. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to look into it further.
Although FITs are a convenient way to screen for colon cancer from home, they are no substitute for talking with your doctor and getting a colonoscopy. This is especially true for those who are at high risk of colon cancer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you might be at a higher risk if you have:
There are a few other lifestyle-related risk factors for colon cancer to consider as well.
The CDC also reports that certain lifestyle changes may help reduce your risk.
These include:
What is in a FIT test?FITs use antibodies to check for blood in stool. If blood is detected, you'll need to follow up with your doctor, who can perform a colonoscopy to rule out colon cancer.
FITs use antibodies to check for blood in stool. If blood is detected, you'll need to follow up with your doctor, who can perform a colonoscopy to rule out colon cancer.
Is a FIT test better than colonoscopy?No. FITs are less invasive than colonoscopies, but colonoscopies are the gold standard for colon cancer screening.
No. FITs are less invasive than colonoscopies, but colonoscopies are the gold standard for colon cancer screening.
Can the FIT test detect polyps?Colon growths and polyps in the large intestine that can become cancerous may cause bleeding. A FIT can detect unseen blood in the stool. Blood in the stool may signal the presence of these growths or polyps.
However, a 2023 study, reports that FITs perform poorly at predicting the presence of polyps. Colonoscopies, on the other hand, more closely detect polyps.
Colon growths and polyps in the large intestine that can become cancerous may cause bleeding. A FIT can detect unseen blood in the stool. Blood in the stool may signal the presence of these growths or polyps.
However, a 2023 study, reports that FITs perform poorly at predicting the presence of polyps. Colonoscopies, on the other hand, more closely detect polyps.
How accurate is the FIT test for colon cancer?One 2020 review of 44 studies showed that FITs correctly identified four out of five cases of colorectal cancer. These detected cases stages were 2 through 4.
It's important to note that the test sensitivity was shown to be lowest for the earliest stages. With colon cancer, early detection is crucial.
One other drawback is that you must do FITs yearly to detect colorectal cancer. This is much more frequent than the even more accurate, though uncomfortable, colonoscopies.
Those at high risk of colon cancer — including those with a family history, prior colon cancer diagnoses, or history of IBD, as well as other known risk factors — should get a colonoscopy.
One 2020 review of 44 studies showed that FITs correctly identified four out of five cases of colorectal cancer. These detected cases stages were 2 through 4.
It's important to note that the test sensitivity was shown to be lowest for the earliest stages. With colon cancer, early detection is crucial.
One other drawback is that you must do FITs yearly to detect colorectal cancer. This is much more frequent than the even more accurate, though uncomfortable, colonoscopies.
Those at high risk of colon cancer — including those with a family history, prior colon cancer diagnoses, or history of IBD, as well as other known risk factors — should get a colonoscopy.
FIT kits test for blood in the stool, which is often a sign of colon cancer. Some tests can fully screen at home, while some require you to send a sample to a lab for test results.
The FIT is a good option for those at average risk of colon cancer who would like to avoid the fuss of prep time and a doctor's visit for a colonoscopy.
People at high risk of colon cancer should still undergo a colonoscopy.
Those who opt for the FIT will need to perform the test every year versus every 10 years for a colonoscopy.
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