Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests
There are many options for colon cancer screening. Below is a list of currently recognized and recommended tests:
Note: link here to colon cancer screening sheet summary page
Remember that whichever test you ultimately choose, it is just as important for you to complete the follow-up exam, whether this be a repeat stool based test, virtual colonoscopy, or colonoscopy.
Eisenhower Health physicians recommend patients have a colonoscopy or complete the FIT kit to screen for colon cancer.
Colonoscopy: (Recommended)
Colonoscopy is often considered the “gold standard” for colon cancer screening because it not only can diagnose cancer, but can also identify and remove precancerous polyps.
FIT: (Recommended)
The FIT test is an in-home test used to detect blood in your bowel movements that can’t be seen by the naked eye. After collection at home, the specimen is mailed to the laboratory for evaluation (all instructions and materials are provided with kit). If the test is negative, it is repeated the following year and annually thereafter. If positive, a colonoscopy is indicated to identify the bleeding source which may or may not be a cancer.
gFOBT:
The gFOBT test is also an in-home test used to detect blood in your bowel movements that can’t be seen by the naked eye. After collection at home, the specimen is mailed to the laboratory for evaluation (all instructions and materials are provided with kit).If the test is negative, it is repeated the following year and annually thereafter. If positive, a colonoscopy is indicated to identify the bleeding source which may or may not be a cancer.
Cologuard:
A stool DNA test (like Cologuard ®) is an at-home test that looks for abnormal sections of DNA within the stool in addition to blood. One stool sample is needed. If negative the test is repeated in 3 years. If positive, a colonoscopy is indicated to identify the bleeding source which may or may not be a cancer.
Virtual Colonoscopy:
Virtual colonoscopy, also called CT colonography, is a non-invasive, advanced CT scan of the colon and rectum that produces two and three-dimensional images of the colon and rectum, allowing the doctor to look for polyps or cancer.
The entire colon must be cleaned out for this procedure. If abnormalities are found, a colonoscopy is indicated to further evaluate.
