Colon Cancer FAQs

Frequently asked colon cancer questions

What is the cause of colon cancer?

The exact cause of colon cancer is unknown, but the majority of colon cancers develop from abnormal growths on the lining of the colon or rectum called polyps.

Who is most likely to get colon cancer?

People at a higher risk for colon cancer may meet 1 or more of the following criteria:

  • Age 50 or older
  • African-American race
  • Personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps
  • Inflammatory bowel disease or other gastrointestinal (GI) issues
  • Low-fiber, high-fat diet
  • Smoking
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Radiation therapy for cancer

What are the signs and symptoms of colon cancer?

Colon cancer usually doesn't show symptoms in early stages, which is one reason why it's important to have a colonoscopy before you experience symptoms. Once symptoms of colon cancer appear, they may include

  • Abdominal pain
  • Anemia
  • Blood in the stool
  • A change in bowel habits for more than a few weeks (eg, persistent diarrhea or constipation)
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Unexplained or unintentional weight loss

Is colon cancer preventable?

Colon cancer can be prevented through screening and removal of polyps. If cancer is found, early detection often leads to a longer life, as 90% of people diagnosed when the cancer is found at an early stage survive more than 5 years.1

Having regular colonoscopies (once every 10 years for patients with no risk factors) increases the likelihood of detecting colon cancer early, when it can often be cured. Screening can also play a crucial role in prevention because abnormal polyps and lesions may be found and removed before they become cancerous.

Important Safety Information about MOVIPREP

MOVIPREP® (PEG-3350, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium ascorbate and ascorbic acid for oral solution) is an osmotic laxative indicated for cleansing of the colon as a preparation for colonoscopy in adults 18 years of age or older. MOVIPREP is contraindicated in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction, bowel perforation, gastric retention, ileus, toxic colitis or toxic megacolon, and patients who have had a severe hypersensitivity reaction to any of its components. MOVIPREP should be used with caution in patients at risk of or with fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, hyponatremia, arrhythmias, seizures, in patients with impaired renal function or patients taking concomitant medications that affect renal function, patients with known or suspected inflammatory bowel disease, patients with suspected GI obstruction or perforation, patients at risk for aspiration, and patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Most common adverse reactions for split dosing (incidence ≥5%) are malaise, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and upper abdominal pain. The most common adverse reactions for evening only dosing (incidence ≥5%) are abdominal distension, anal discomfort, thirst, nausea, abdominal pain, sleep disorder, rigors, hunger, malaise, vomiting, and dizziness. MOVIPREP contains 233 mg of phenylalanine per treatment. Advise patients to hydrate adequately before, during, and after the use of MOVIPREP.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch/ or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Reference: 1. Colon Cancer Alliance. Colorectal cancer statistics. Available at: http://www.ccalliance.org/colorectal_cancer/statistics.html. Accessed February 22, 2011.