Colon cancer screening is primarily conducted using which procedure?

Colonoscopy is the primary procedure used for screening for colon cancer due to its effectiveness in both detecting and preventing cancer. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube with a camera at the end is inserted through the rectum to visually inspect the inner lining of the colon and rectum. This allows for the identification of polyps or abnormal growths that can develop into cancer if not removed. Additionally, if any suspicious areas are found during this procedure, doctors have the ability to take tissue samples (biopsies) or remove polyps during the same session, making colonoscopy not only a diagnostic tool but also a preventative measure.

While other procedures such as CT scans can be used to obtain images of the colon, they do not allow for direct visualization or intervention. Similarly, ultrasounds and blood tests are not standard practices for colon cancer screening, as they do not provide the necessary information to effectively assess the colon for cancer or pre-cancerous conditions. Thus, colonoscopy is recognized as the gold standard for colon cancer screening.