Diagnosis and Treatment

Colon Cancer Screening Options

Colonoscopy: Experts now recommend that colon cancer screenings begin at age 45. Colonoscopies are the “gold standard” of testing for detecting colon cancer. During the test, a physician (usually a gastroenterologist or general surgeon) uses a long, thin, flexible, lighted tube to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and the entire colon. The physician can find and remove most polyps and some cancers during the exam. Colonoscopy is recommended every five to 10 years for those at average to low risk.

FIT testing (fecal immunochemical test): Experts now recommend that colon cancer screenings begin at age 45. FIT testing (fecal immunochemical test) uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of cancer. The test is performed using a sample that is gathered at home. FIT testing must be performed annually and is not recommended for those at high risk.

Stool DNA testing (Cologuard): Experts now recommend that colon cancer screenings begin at age 45. Stool DNA testing is an at-home testing option that tests for DNA markers associated with colon cancer and for blood in the stool. Stool DNA testing must be performed every three years and is also not recommend for those at high risk.