Early Detection = Better Outcomes®
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal (colon) cancer is one of the most common cancers among men and women in the U.S.
But the good news? It’s also one of the most treatable cancers when found early.
The best way to find colorectal cancer early is by having regular screenings. Early-stage colorectal cancer may not cause any symptoms, so screenings are critical.
Screening Recommendations
The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer begin screening at age 45. For most people, screenings should continue through age 75. It’s estimated that 1 out of 3 people aren’t up to date on the recommended screening.
Types of colorectal cancer screening
There are several screening options. You and your provider can decide which is best for you.
Scroll down and tap the + below to learn more about each type of screening:
VISUAL TESTS
Colonoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy*
Flexible sigmoidoscopy*
STOOL-BASED TESTS
High sensitivity guaiac based fecal occult blood test (HS gFOBT)*
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)*
Multitarget stool DNA (mt-sDNA) test*
Multi-target stool RNA (mt-sRNA) test*
BLOOD-BASED TESTS
Blood test*
*An abnormal result should be followed up with a timely colonoscopy.
Regardless of which test you choose, the most important thing is to get screened.
Talk to your provider to determine the best screening plan for you.
Sources:
Colorectal Cancer Screening Options. Prevent Cancer Foundation. https://preventcancer.org/prevention-screening/colorectal-cancer-screening-options/.
Colorectal Cancer: Screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Updated May 2021. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening.
Colorectal Cancer Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging. American Cancer Society. Updated June 2020. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html.