Listen to Dr. Archelle Georgiou discuss colon cancer screening options, then talk to your doctor about your choice.
Every one to two years
You put a sample of your stool into the test kit and send it to a lab. The lab can detect traces of blood in the stool. If traces of blood are detected, you need a follow-up colonoscopy.
A stool test you do at home with no special preparation.
Every three years
You put a sample of your stool in the test kit and send it to a lab. The lab can detect traces of blood and abnormal cells (DNA) in the stool. If traces of blood or DNA are detected, you need a follow-up colonoscopy.
A stool test you do at home with no special preparation.
Every ten years
While sedated, the provider inserts a scope into your rectum and colon. They look for polyps and cancers. If found, they'll remove polyps and biopsy them during the colonoscopy.
A visual test done in a hospital or surgery center. You'll prepare with a special diet and laxatives.
Every five years, or every ten years with a FIT every year
The provider inserts a scope into your rectum and the lower part of your colon. They look for polyps and cancers. If found, they'll remove and biopsy them during the sigmoidoscopy.
A visual test done in a hospital or surgery center. You'll prepare with enemas.
Every five years
The provider inserts a small tube into your rectum to fill the colon with air. Then, they take a series of X-rays to look at the entire colon and rectum. If polyps or a cancer are found, you need a follow-up colonoscopy to remove and biopsy them.
A visual test done in a hospital or surgery center. You'll prepare with a special diet and laxatives.
Talk to your doctor about which type of colon cancer screening is best for you.