WASHINGTON -- A colonoscopy has been called by some doctors the "save your life screening test" because the procedure is so successful in finding precancerous polyps, removing them and preventing ...

Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It typically begins as a small growth of tissue called a polyp in the lining of the colon or rectum. While not all polyps become cancerous, ...

This article explains the importance of testing for symptoms that may reveal a disease or condition that could lead to colon or rectal cancer. What is screening or surveillance? Many polyps and ...

(Reuters Health) - People may be more likely to get colorectal cancer screenings when doctors let them choose what type of test to have, a U.S. study suggests. Researchers focused on two widely used ...

Dear Dr. Gott: Please discuss the difference between a flexible sigmoidoscopy and a colonoscopy. At 50, I recently had the former. Several of my family members and acquaintances have argued that a ...

A simple, cheaper exam of just the lower part of the bowel can cut the risk of developing colon cancer or dying of the disease, a large federal study finds. Many doctors recommend a more complete test ...

Saga Diagnostics expanded the use of its ultrasensitive blood test to include detection of tiny amounts of colorectal cancer that may remain in the body after treatment and can signal a higher risk of ...

Guardant’s test analyzes circulating tumor DNA that is then used to identify patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer who may benefit from treatment with the Braftovi combo therapy ...

Dear Dr. Donohue: Will you talk about colon polyps? I had polyps removed during a colonoscopy. My doctor recommends another colonoscopy in three years. I have retired, and my insurer has declined to ...

NEW YORK -- Having an X-ray to look for signs of colon cancer may soon be an option for those who dread the traditional scope exam. Two of the largest studies yet of "virtual colonoscopy" show the ...

Many doctors recommend a more complete test -- colonoscopy -- but many people refuse that costly, unpleasant exam. The new study shows that the simpler test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, can be a good ...

Sara Moniuszko is a health and lifestyle reporter at CBSNews.com. Previously, she wrote for USA Today, where she was selected to help launch the newspaper's wellness vertical. She now covers breaking ...