Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer among both men and women and it is the most preventable. Screening for colorectal cancer before symptoms develop can catch polyps or growths on the wall of the colon or rectum before they become cancerous. Screening can also detect colorectal cancer in its early stages, when treatment is most effective. Treatment for colorectal cancer in its earliest stage can lead to a 90 percent survival rate after five years.
You have options for screening!
There are several colorectal cancer screenings available:
|
|
Colonoscopy (Visual Exam) |
Cologuard (Stool DNA Test*) |
FOBT/FIT* (Fecal Occult Blood Test/Fecal Immunochemical Test) |
| How does it work? | Uses a scope to look for and remove abnormal growths in the colon or rectum | Finds abnormal DNA and blood in the stool sample | Detects hidden blood in the stool sample |
| Who is it for? | Adults at high or average risk | Adults at average risk | Adults at average risk |
| How often? | Every 10 years† | Every 3 years | Every year |
| Noninvasive? | No | Yes, used at home | Yes, used at home |
| Prep required? | Yes, full bowel prep including fasting and laxatives | No | Yes/No‡ |
| Time it takes? | 1-2 days for bowel prep and procedure | Just the time it takes to collect a sample | Just the time it takes to collect a sample |
| Covered by insurance?§ | Covered by most insurers | Covered by most insurers | Covered by most insurers |
| After a positive result? | Polyps removed and examined (biopsy) | Follow-up colonoscopy | Follow-up colonoscopy |
† For adults at high risk, testing may be more frequent and should be discussed with your healthcare provider
‡ FOBT requires changes to diet or medication. FIT does not require changes to diet or medication
§ Insurance coverage can vary; only your insurer can confirm how colorectal cancer screening would be covered under your insurance policy
This document is for educational purposes only and does not replace treatment or advice from a healthcare professional. If you have questions, please talk to your doctor.
Sources:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/screening-tests-used.html
https://www.exactsciences.com