Screening Methods

Colon cancer screening tests save lives. How do they do this? Because they help your doctor find polyps or cancer before you even have symptoms. This early detection may prevent polyps from becoming cancer and could jumpstart treatment earlier, when it is most effective. Though it is usually recommended to start getting screened at age 50, there are other factors that create a higher risk and help decipher who should be screened and when.

Click on the name of the methods to learn how each works and which test is right for you, and learn how you can take the first steps to reduce your chances of colon cancer!

Colonoscopy (“The Gold Standard”)

What happens: The inside of the rectum and entire colon are examined using a long, lighted tube called a colonoscope. 

When to get screened (if not high risk): Every ten years starting at age 50.

• 27 Insider Tips and Tricks for Prep
• Questions to Ask Your Doc
• The Colonoscopy Copay Loophole: Your Questions Answered

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

What happens: Examines your rectum and lower part of the colon with a lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope.

When to get screened (if not high risk): Every five years starting at age 50.

Virtual Colonoscopy

What happens: Uses x-rays and computers to take 2- or 3-dimensional images of your colon and rectum.

When to get screened (if not high risk): Every five years starting at age 50 (though timing has not been closely studied).

Double-Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE)

What happens: Air and barium are pumped into your rectum. The solution will show polyps or tumors on x-rays.

When to get screened (if not high risk): Every five to ten years starting at age 50.

Fecal Occult Blood Tests (FOBT)

Guaiac FOBT

What happens: This test can detect small amounts of blood in stool by submitting a portion of several bowel movements to your doctor for testing.

When to get screened (if not high risk): Once a year starting at age 50.

Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

What happens: This test is used to detect blood in stool that cannot be seen with the naked eye through submitting a portion of one to three bowel movements to your doctor for testing.

When to get screened (if not high risk): Once a year starting at age 50.

*These screening methods test the stool for signs that cancer may be present. They are less invasive and easier to have done but are less likely to detect polyps.

Stool DNA (sDNA)

What happens: Looks for certain DNA mutations caused from cancerous tumors or precancerous polyps.

When to get screened (if not high risk): Screening interval uncertain – discuss this with your healthcare professional.

For more information:

• Who Should Be Screened and When
• Find a Screening Facility
• CCA's Toll-free Helpline (877) 422-2030

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