Common symptoms of colon cancer include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain or discomfort, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and persistent abdominal cramps or bloating.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and various tests, including colonoscopy, fecal occult blood test, imaging tests (such as CT scan or MRI), and biopsy to examine a sample of the affected tissue.

Screening guidelines recommend that individuals at average risk should start regular colon cancer screenings at the age of 45 or 50. However, those with a family history or other risk factors may need to start screening earlier.

Treatment options for colon cancer depend on factors such as the stage and location of the cancer. They may include surgery to remove the tumor and affected colon segments, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, often used in combination to effectively treat the disease.