What Is Colon Cancer? Symptoms, Risk Factors and Screening Tests

Created: 24.07.2026  ·  Last Updated: 24.07.2026  ·  Category: General Surgery and Gastroenterology  ·  Prepared by the Academic Hospital Web and Medical Editorial Board.

March is recognized as Colon Cancer Awareness Month in Türkiye as well as around the world. During this period, increasing public awareness and encouraging regular screening are vitally important.

Important Information: The starting age and method of colon cancer screening may vary according to personal risk, family history and national screening programs. In Türkiye’s national screening program, fecal occult blood testing is recommended every 2 years for women and men aged 50-70, and colonoscopy is recommended at specified intervals. Earlier evaluation may be required for people with family history or additional risk factors.

What Is Colon Cancer and Why Is Early Diagnosis Important?

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is among the most common cancers both worldwide and in Türkiye. However, there is an important fact: when diagnosed at an early stage and treated appropriately, it is a disease that can be treated in many cases. Therefore, early diagnosis and regular screening tests are vitally important in colon cancer.

What Are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?

When one or more of these symptoms are seen, it is important to consult a doctor without delay:

  • Change in bowel habits, such as prolonged constipation or diarrhea
  • Blood in the stool
  • Feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
  • Abdominal pain or cramps
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Anemia
  • Weakness and fatigue

You can contact us for colon cancer screening and colonoscopy evaluation.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Colon Cancer?

Main risk factors include:

  • Family history of colon cancer
  • Personal history of colon polyps
  • Advanced age, especially age 50 and older
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Excessive consumption of red meat and processed meat
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol consumption

What Can Be Done to Reduce the Risk?

Some healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce the risk:

  • Eating a healthy and balanced diet
  • Consuming fiber-rich foods
  • Exercising regularly
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Avoiding smoking and alcohol

What Are Colon Cancer Screening Tests?

  • Colonoscopy: It allows detailed examination of the intestines when performed at specified intervals for individuals aged 50 and older.
  • Fecal occult blood test: It is recommended every 2 years in Türkiye’s national screening program.
The greatest risk in colon cancer is postponing screening. Therefore, individuals aged 50 and older are especially advised to have colonoscopy at specified intervals and fecal occult blood testing every 2 years according to national screening recommendations. Colonoscopy can help detect and remove precancerous polyps before cancer develops. If you are in a risk group, do not neglect your screening tests and encourage your loved ones to be screened as well. Early diagnosis is a major opportunity to protect your health.

Do Not Postpone Colon Cancer Screening

Specialist evaluation is important in the presence of changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, anemia or family history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is colon cancer screening important?
Screening tests help detect precancerous polyps and early-stage cancers. Early diagnosis may improve treatment success.
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, a feeling of incomplete emptying, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, anemia, weakness and fatigue may occur.
Why is colonoscopy performed?
Colonoscopy allows detailed examination of the large intestine. It may help detect and remove precancerous polyps.
How often is a fecal occult blood test performed?
In Türkiye’s national screening program, fecal occult blood testing is recommended every 2 years for women and men aged 50-70. A physician may recommend a different plan according to personal risk.
Academic Hospital note: Colon cancer screening should be planned by considering age, family history, polyp history, inflammatory bowel disease and other risk factors. You can book an appointment for evaluation.

References

  1. Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health. Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and National Screening Standards
  2. CDC. Colorectal Cancer
  3. CDC. Colorectal Cancer Awareness
  4. American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines