Screening Methods

Fortunately colon cancer is both highly treatable and preventable when detected early. Ask your doctor about which screening methods are right for you:

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a procedure in which a lighted probe (a colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum and entire colon to look for polyps and abnormalities; if polyps are found, they can be immediately removed and tested for cancerous cells. Regular colonoscopies (every 10 years) should begin at age 50, unless you have a family history or other risk factors.    

Colonoscopy is the preferred diagnostic tool for colon cancer screening. Research has proved the superiority of colonoscopy over other colon cancer screening tests. Click here to learn more.

Contact a doctor about getting screened.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure in which a lighted probe (a sigmoidoscope) is inserted into the rectum and entire colon to look for polyps and abnormalities.

Contact a doctor about getting screened.

Virtual Colonoscopy

Virtual colonoscopy uses multiple computerized tomography (CT) images to create a detailed picture of the inside of your colon. If polyps are detected, a traditional colonoscopy may be necessary to remove them.

Contact a doctor about getting screened.

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

A fecal occult blood test detects blood in a stool sample. Blood in the stool may be a sign of colorectal cancer, but this is not a diagnostic test. If blood in the stool is detected, a traditional colonoscopy may need to be performed.

Contact a doctor about getting screened.

Double Contract Barium Enema (DCBE)

A barium enema uses an X-ray to evaluate your entire colon. Barium, a contract dye, is placed into your bowel through an enema, and then air is also added.

For most patients, colon cancer screening does not have to be done at a hospital. Outpatient surgery centers provide screenings by highly skilled physicians but in a more relaxed, personal environment. The cost is usually much lower, since there’s no hospital visit.

Contact a doctor about getting screened.