Thank you for sharing your experience, NP. We hope that your surgery goes well.

Blues Perspectives

SO important to be screened for colon cancer. I have had 10-12 colonoscopies as my mother had colon cancer and I had breast cancer. I happen to make polyps in every area that I have mucus membranes including 3 sinus surgeries when I had all 8 sinuses packed with polyps, polyps in my uterus, stomach, and 2 years ago 9 polyps in my colon. Just last Wednesday I had an endoscopy and another colonoscopy. They found at least 4 polyps that they could not reach and discovered that I have stenosis of the colon and will need a more extensive surgery soon. GET TESTED ASAP so that if you have any polyps, they do not become malignant.

What are the signs of colon cancer? While there are some symptoms that should prompt a swift visit to your doctor, the leading sign of colon cancer doesn’t exist. That’s because many times, you could have precancerous polyps or colorectal cancer and not have any symptoms at all. Here are some 

Abdominal pain, aches or cramps that don’t go away

Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty all the way

However, the fact that colon cancer is often silent and exhibits no symptoms – yet is the second biggest cancer killer among all the cancers that affect both men and women – underscores the importance of routine screening tests.  

The importance of screening tests for colorectal cancer is gaining traction, as the percentage of adults age 50 to 75 who were up to date with their screening tests increased by 1.4% from 2016 to 2018 to 

 Screenings for colon and rectal cancer can catch the cancer before it begins and remove potentially troublesome polyps. 

Colonoscopies are the gold standard of screening tests for colorectal cancer, and there are other 

 available. Talk to your doctor about which one is right for you. When colorectal cancer is found at an early stage, the five-year survival rate is about 90%. 

This year, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be nearly 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed, and more than 50,000 people will die from it. Disruptions during the pandemic caused many adults to delay their colon cancer screening tests: in the spring of 2020, screening tests for colon cancer 

Catching colon cancer early through screenings is critical because there often are no symptoms. Talk to you doctor about your family and medical history to see if it’s time to undergo a screening for colon cancer.  

Click here to learn more about colorectal cancer, screening and resources.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network cover colorectal screenings for most members beginning at age 45 to align with the recommendation of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.  For more information, 

What Colonoscopy Results Show You About Your Health

Screening tests are critical as colon cancer is often silent and exhibits no symptoms. Catching colon cancer early is important.

Doctor using digital tablet and talking to patient

Signs of Colon Cancer  

Blue Daily

MI Blues Perspectives is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

Signs of Colon Cancer

You May Also Like

Subscribe to get updates in your inbox.