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Colorectal Cancer Screening

Are you age 45 or older?

This is the recommended age to begin colorectal cancer screening.1 Regular testing can help find cancer early. It may be easier to treat when caught early. Risk for getting colon cancer (large intestinal cancer) can go up due to family history, diet, lifestyle, age, ethnicity and gender.

Colorectal Cancer Screening – En Español (Spanish)

Colorectal cancer screening can save lives! Screening kits are available to test from the comfort of your home. The home screening kits are easier and simpler to use than you may think. Talk to your doctor today about which at-home screening option is best for you.


Colorectal Cancer Screening banner

Why is colorectal cancer screening important?

In the United States, cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death behind heart disease.2 Looking at the types of cancer, colorectal cancer is also the 4th leading cause of cancer death.3

Table 1: Colorectal cancer by race and ethnicity:2
Race / EthnicityColorectal Cancer Leading Cause of Death
White, non-Hispanic people4th
Black, non-Hispanic people4th
American Indian and Alaska Native non-Hispanic people3rd
Asian non-Hispanic people3rd
Hispanic people4th

 

But the good news is screening can help find cancer early. It may be easier to treat when caught early.

Screening tests for colorectal cancer can help!

Preventive screenings like colorectal cancer screening are important to do, even when you feel well.

  • People at average risk for getting colon cancer start screening at age 45.
  • Many people have polyps or cancer and don’t have any symptoms.
  • Completing a screening test will help find polyps and cancer earlier.

 

image comparing healthy colon and colon with polyps

What is a Polyp?

Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. Most polyps are harmless. But some polyps may turn into cancer. Screening tests can find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage when treatment works best.

What types of screenings are available?

Screening options include stool sample screening tests and visual screening tests. Some screening tests you can do from the comfort of your home. Other screenings are done by a doctor. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about what option is best for you.

These are stool sample screening tests that you can do from your home.4,5,6 You can choose the stool sample test that works best for you.

Stool sample tests and processes
Stool Sample Test Name and ProcessHow Often to Take the TestNext Steps
Guaiac Fecal Occult Blood Test (gFOBT) uses the chemical guaiac to detect blood in the stool. For this test, you receive a test kit from your health care provider. At home, you use a stick or brush to obtain a small amount of stool. You return the test kit to the doctor or a lab, where the stool samples are checked for the presence of blood.Every yearThe results will be shared with you and your provider.
Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT or iFBOT) uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool. Like the gFOBT, you receive a test kit from your health care provider. At home, you use a stick or brush to obtain a small amount of stool. You return the test kit to the doctor or a lab, where the stool samples are checked for the presence of blood.Every yearThe results will be shared with you and your provider.
Cologuard Screening Kit also referred to as the stool DNA test. It combines the FIT test with a test that detects altered DNA in the stool. For this test, you collect a bowel movement in a container and send the container with a scraping of the stool to the lab. The lab checks it for altered DNA and for the presence of blood.Every 3 yearsYou will receive your test results. Next steps will be shared with you.

These visual tests4,5 are completed in-person by a doctor.

Visual test names and processes
Visual Test Name and ProcessHow Often to Take the TestNext Steps
Colonoscopy is a screening test that looks for changes in your colon and rectum. The doctor inserts a long, thin, flexible tube with a light and camera to detect possible polyps or cancer. The doctor can remove polyps during this test to help prevent cancer before it starts. The screening is done every 5-10 years based on what the test finds.Every 5-10 yearsThe doctor will schedule an appointment with you to review the results and offer recommendations.
CT (Virtual) Colonography is a scan to produce images of your colon. If your test result is positive or abnormal you may still need a colonoscopy.Every 5 yearsThe doctor will schedule an appointment with you to review the results and offer recommendations.
Sigmoidoscopy is a screening test that uses a long, thin, flexible tube with a camera to view the lower part of your colon. It is done every 5 years. But if you complete a FIT test every year (described in Stool Sample Tests table) a sigmoidoscopy can be done every 10 years. If your test result is positive or abnormal you may still need a colonoscopy.

This test is not often used as a screening tool for colorectal cancer in the U.S. as the doctor can only view half of your colon.		Two options:
  1. Every 5 years, or
  2. Every 10 years if you complete a FIT screening test every year. (See Stool Sample Tests table for FIT test information.)
The doctor will schedule an appointment with you to review the results and offer recommendations

What's Next? Are you age 45 and older and have not had a colorectal cancer screening test?

  • Call your doctor and ask if you need a colorectal cancer screening. The phone number is on your member ID card.
  • Discuss your best screening options with your doctor as soon as possible.

The Tough Conversations

Talking to your friends and family about getting a colorectal cancer screening test may not be an easy conversation. But it is important in keeping you and your family healthy! It can also give you, family, and friends support to get screenings done.

This table shares some ways to talk about colorectal screening. It can help prepare you to talk with your doctor, family and friends.

Ways to talk about Colorectal Screening
ConcernDiscussion
We don't talk about this topic.A lot of people feel uncomfortable talking about colorectal screening. That's okay. It can feel like something that we should not talk about.
I don't know my family's history of colon cancer.Asking about your family history of colon cancer helps others in your family know their history. Ask the tough questions. Your questions can help others learn. They may decide to get screened.

Start or build on your family history by getting screened. Getting tested regularly can help find any cancer early. It may be easier to treat when caught early. If you are 45 or older, ask your doctor if you are due for a colon cancer screening.
I've never done a home test and am uncomfortable doing it.The home tests are easier than you may expect and don't have to be messy. Here is one suggestion:

To help with cleanliness, bring a TV tray or chair next to the toilet. Place sheets of clean paper towels or wax paper on the surface. Place your test kit on this clean surface within easy reach. Follow the instructions to gather your stool sample. Carefully pack up your sample for mailing. Set it aside. Then gather up the paper and throw it away. Wash your hands well.
I'm not sure I'm doing the home test the right way.A home kit has step-by-step instructions on what to do. It includes all the items you will need to collect your sample and finish the test. There is also a phone number on the kit to call with questions.

Once you complete your test, you will mail your sample to the lab. The kit has a postage pre-paid envelope.
I feel fine. I don't think I need to complete a colorectal screening test.Most people with colon polyps do not have any symptoms. But someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it.6

Getting tested regularly can help find any cancer early — when it may be easier to treat.

 

Do you know how to prevent colorectal cancer?

Take this quick quiz to check how much you know!
Colorectal Cancer Quiz

More Information about Colorectal Cancer Screening Options

gFOBT Resources

FIT Resources

Cologuard Resource

Colonoscopy Resources

CT (Virtual) Colonoscopy Resources

Sigmoidoscopy Resources

General Information about Colorectal Cancer Screening Test options

Article Sources

1 Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Screening for Colorectal Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | CDC

2 United States Cancer Statistics: Data Visualizations. Retrieved from Center for Disease Control and Prevention

3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, February 17). Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/tests.htm

4 US Preventive Services Task Force. (2021, May 18). Colorectal Cancer Screening. Retrieved from US Preventive Services Task Force: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening#tab2

5 US Preventive Services Task Force. (2021, May 18). Colorectal Cancer Screening. Retrieved from US Preventive Services Task Force: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening#tab1

6 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/symptoms.htm