Question 1

What is Colon Cancer?

Accepted Answer

Colon cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the large intestine or rectum. It is caused by abnormal cell growth in the colon lining, often starting as polyps that become cancerous over time. The Folate RBC test is the most important supportive blood test for monitoring nutritional factors associated with colon cancer risk.

Question 2

What causes colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

Colon cancer is caused by mutations in the DNA of cells in the colon lining that lead to uncontrolled cell growth. These mutations can develop from inherited genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis, but most colon cancers are sporadic and develop over time from polyps. Risk factors include age over 50, family history, inflammatory bowel disease, high-fat low-fiber diets, smoking, heavy alcohol use, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle.

Question 3

What is the best test for colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

The colonoscopy is the most important diagnostic test for colon cancer because it allows direct visualization of the entire colon and enables doctors to detect polyps, tumors, and abnormal tissue while simultaneously taking biopsies for definitive diagnosis. While colonoscopy remains the gold standard, the Folate RBC test serves as an essential supportive blood test that measures folate levels in red blood cells to assess nutritional factors that research suggests may be associated with colon cancer risk. Blood tests cannot diagnose colon cancer itself but help monitor overall health and nutritional status during cancer care.

Question 4

When should I get tested for colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are age 45 or older, as routine screening is recommended starting at this age. Get tested sooner if you notice persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain or cramping, or constant fatigue and weakness. Testing is also urgent if you have a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, or inherited genetic syndromes that increase cancer risk.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

Colon cancer symptoms include persistent changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation, narrow stools, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, and persistent abdominal discomfort including cramps, gas, or pain. You might notice unexplained weight loss, constant fatigue and weakness, or feeling that your bowel does not empty completely. Early-stage colon cancer often has no symptoms, which is why regular screening is essential for detection before symptoms appear.

Question 6

Who is at risk for colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

People over age 50 are at highest risk for colon cancer, with risk increasing with age. Your risk is elevated if you have a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps, inherited genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle factors that increase risk include eating a diet high in red and processed meats and low in fiber, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption. African Americans have the highest colon cancer incidence and mortality rates among all racial groups in the United States.

Question 7

What happens if colon cancer is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated colon cancer will continue to grow and spread to nearby lymph nodes and distant organs including the liver, lungs, and peritoneum. As the tumor enlarges, it can cause complete bowel obstruction requiring emergency surgery, severe anemia from chronic blood loss, and debilitating pain. Advanced colon cancer significantly reduces survival rates, with five-year survival dropping from over 90% when caught early and localized to just 14% once it has spread to distant organs. Early detection and treatment are critical for the best possible outcomes.

Question 8

Can colon cancer be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Colon cancer cannot be definitively diagnosed with a blood test alone and requires colonoscopy with tissue biopsy for diagnosis. However, blood tests play an important supportive role by measuring tumor markers like CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) that can help monitor treatment response and detect recurrence. The Folate RBC test assesses nutritional factors associated with cancer risk, while complete blood counts can detect anemia from bleeding tumors. Blood tests complement but do not replace colonoscopy and other diagnostic procedures.

Question 9

How is colon cancer treated?

Accepted Answer

Colon cancer is treated primarily with surgery to remove the cancerous section of the colon and nearby lymph nodes, which may be the only treatment needed for early-stage disease. Chemotherapy is used after surgery for more advanced cancers to kill remaining cancer cells and reduce recurrence risk, or before surgery to shrink large tumors. Radiation therapy may be combined with chemotherapy for rectal cancer. Targeted drug therapies and immunotherapy are newer treatments for advanced cancers with specific genetic mutations. Treatment plans are individualized based on cancer stage, location, and overall health.

Question 10

How can I prevent colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent colon cancer by getting regular screening colonoscopies starting at age 45, which can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancer. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting red and processed meats, staying physically active with at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption to no more than one drink daily for women and two for men. If you have a family history or genetic risk factors, talk to your doctor about earlier or more frequent screening.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with colon cancer?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches can support conventional colon cancer treatment but should never replace medical care. Eating a high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports digestive health and may reduce cancer risk. Foods rich in antioxidants like berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables provide protective compounds. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and fermented vegetables support gut health. Regular physical activity, stress management through meditation or yoga, and adequate sleep all support immune function during cancer treatment. Always consult your oncologist before taking supplements or making significant dietary changes during cancer treatment.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Colon Cancer Blood Work Panel

What is Colon Cancer?

What causes colon cancer?

What is the best test for colon cancer?

When should I get tested for colon cancer?

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