Your Personalized Screening Recommendation
You are behind on screening.
Your health history puts you at average risk for colorectal cancer, which means there are several screening options that are right for you, including stool-based tests that can be conducted at home. The most common symptom of colon cancer and rectal cancer is no symptom, so it is important to get checked now.
Have questions or want to talk to someone?
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance offers free support, guidance, and encouragement. Connect with our certified patient and family support navigators at (877) 422-2030.
Need help finding an appointment?
The Alliance has partnered with Zocdoc to help you find a specialist. Visit them in their offices, or video chat with them from home. Find an appointment below.
Common Screening Methods
A colonoscopy is the standard screening method for people at higher risk and can be used for average-risk individuals, too. It is a routine and safe procedure. A doctor uses a thin tube with a camera to see inside your colon and rectum while you’re in a sleep-like state. If found, polyps — abnormal tissue growths that may become cancer — can be removed during a colonoscopy, preventing cancer.
At home, people of average risk collect a sample stool and mail it to a lab for analysis. The lab looks for abnormal DNA and blood in the stool, which can indicate cancer. A positive test requires a follow-up colonoscopy.
FIT (FECAL IMMUNOCHEMICAL TEST)
Just like a stool-DNA test, average-risk users take a sample and place it on a card for analysis. Some tests are sent to a lab for analysis, and some tests can be completed at home. The test alerts for blood that can’t be seen. A positive test requires a follow-up colonoscopy.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer, or CRC, refers to colon cancer and rectal cancer. One in 24 people will get colorectal cancer in their lifetime, but most people have the power to prevent it!
Resources for You
Healthy living: While screening is the most important step to prevent CRC, it’s not the only one.
Symptoms: The most common symptom of colorectal cancer is no symptom, but when present, symptoms may include these.
Facts About Colorectal Cancer
- 1 in 24 will be diagnosed in their lifetime
- More than 1 in 10 are diagnosed under the age of 50
- Screening is the No. 1 way to prevent CRC or detect it early
- CRC caught early has a 91% survival rate