What is considered early detection of colon cancer?

is showing signs of symptoms beyond what is considered early detection?

Early detection is when you have a colonoscopy and they find a nodule, then remove it.

Having symptoms is past earliest detection but if having any symptoms you should see your Dr. immediately. Many other things besides cancer have similar symptoms.

yes,if you have regular checkups the cancer can be detected sometimes before and symptoms are showing.Therefore it can be treated before it starts spreading
In my opinion, any polyp removed, even if it is non-cancerous, is virtually the only "early" detection. Seems once there are any signs or symptoms, it is already serious.
My Mom had the diagnosis almost 4 years ago, it was only in the colon, no lymph involvement, and no metastisization to organs.
Now, she has had it come back for the second time, in the lymphs, and now again in the colon, and is considered a Stage IV.

Her's was caught "relatively early" and it doesn't seem to matter.
Myself. a certified medical assistant, and caregiver to Mother with Colon CA since 2003. Third recurrance.
Colon cancer is a very sneaky business. If your family has a history of polyps and you have frequent colonoscopies then removal of a polyp is early detection. But if there is no such medical history and you haven't had a colonoscopy the first symptoms can escape your notice. You see, the first symptom is microscopic loss of blood with the stools, that means that you gradually lose blood and you don't see it. It is true that when a person comes with unexpalined anemia. one of the first diagnostic procedures is a colonoscopy. If there are more symptoms, like pain, change of the bowel habits , massive hemorhage or blockage, we are way past first signs