Final answer:
Early and frequent screening, such as a colonoscopy, is advised for patients with a first-degree relative who had colon cancer before 60. Fecal occult blood tests or DNA tests may be initially used, but colonoscopy is the definitive diagnostic tool.
Step-by-step explanation:
The guidelines for patients with a first-degree relative diagnosed with colon cancer before the age of 60 typically include earlier and more frequent screening. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, especially if the cancer was diagnosed at a younger age, your risk increases and thus commencing routine screening before the standard age of 50 may be necessary. The most effective screening procedure is a colonoscopy, which is recommended due to its dual capability to diagnose and remove precancerous polyps, lowering the risk of them developing into a malignancy.
Other methods, such as fecal occult blood tests and DNA tests for cancer cells in the stool, are also used for screening and are less invasive. However, if these tests indicate a potential problem, a subsequent colonoscopy is often required for a definitive diagnosis. It is vital to discuss individual risk factors with your doctor, who can provide tailored advice on when to start screening and which tests to use based on current cancer guidelines and your personal family history