Colonoscopies are important because they can detect cancerous growths in the bowels, and the earlier these growths are detected, the easier the course of treatment will be—and the higher the likelihood of a cure.

Paul E. Oberstein, MD, director of the Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Program at Perlmutter Cancer Center, tells SurvivorNet about the common symptoms of colon cancer and why qualified patients should be screened. “Because colon cancers grow in the lining of the colon, they can sometimes cause problems with digestion,” Dr. Oberstein says. “We often recommend to patients that if they see a change in their bowel movements and they feel more fatigued than usual or they have new issues, it’s something to be concerned about and pursued with their physician.”

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