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Cancer in the colon or rectum, otherwise known as colorectal cancer, is one of the leading causes of death in Ontario. Many cases of colorectal cancer can be prevented through early diagnosis and the removal of polyps, or growths, which may develop into cancer.

A colonoscopy is an examination of the lining of the rectum and the colon using a long flexible tube with a camera on the end. Colonoscopy is the standard procedure for detecting colorectal polyps.

Patients who cannot have a colonoscopy or have had an incomplete (unfinished) colonoscopy may be offered an examination through imaging technology, such as computed tomographic (CT) colonography. An incomplete colonoscopy can occur if the patient is too uncomfortable or there is a problem passing the tube through the colon.

Colon capsule endoscopy is a relatively new, non-invasive test to detect colorectal polyps and help with early detection of colorectal cancer. Patients swallow a capsule outfitted with a tiny camera, which takes images of the colon as it passes through the patient’s digestive system.