Which screening test is right for you?

• Colonoscopy

  During a colonoscopy, a doctor inserts a flexible tube through the anus to examine the entire colon and rectum for abnormalities. The doctor can remove polyps or take biopsies during the procedure.

  Pros:

  • Provides a full view of the entire colon
  • Can biopsy and remove polyps during the procedure
  • Only needed once every 10 years
  • May help detect other diseases

   

  Cons:

  • Requires full bowel prep
  • Higher upfront cost compared to other screening tests
  • Sedation is usually needed, requiring someone to drive you home
  • May require taking a day off work
  • Small risk of bleeding, bowel perforation or infection

• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

  The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a yearly at-home test that checks for hidden blood in the stool, which may indicate colorectal cancer. It detects bleeding from the lower intestines without dietary or medication restrictions.

  Pros:

  • Non-invasive with no direct risk to the colon
  • No bowel prep required
  • No dietary or medication changes before the test
  • Simple at-home sample collection
  • Affordable compared to other screening methods

   

  Cons:

  • May miss some polyps and cancers
  • Can produce false-positive results
  • Requires yearly testing for ongoing screening
  • A colonoscopy is needed if results are abnormal

• Virtual colonoscopy

  A CT colonography, or virtual colonoscopy, uses X-rays and a CT scan to create 3D images of the colon and rectum, detecting polyps or cancer. It does not require sedation or a scope but involves inserting a small catheter to inflate the colon for clearer images. This quick, less invasive option is ideal for those unable or unwilling to undergo a traditional colonoscopy, though it still requires full bowel prep.

  Pros:

  • Fairly quick and safe procedure
  • Provides a full view of the colon
  • No sedation required
  • Only needed every five years

   

  Cons:

  • May miss small polyps
  • Requires full bowel prep
  • Can produce false-positive results
  • Involves low-dose radiation exposure
  • Cannot remove polyps during the test
  • A colonoscopy is needed if results are abnormal

• Multitarget stool DNA test

  The Multitarget stool DNA test checks for abnormal DNA changes and hidden blood in the stool, which may indicate colorectal cancer or polyps. Cologuard is the only FDA-approved test in the U.S. It requires a full stool sample, has no dietary or medication restrictions, can be done at home and should be repeated every three years.

  Pros:

  • Non-invasive with no direct risk to the colon
  • No bowel prep required
  • No dietary or medication changes before the test
  • Simple at-home sample collection
  • Only needs to be done every three years

   

  Cons:

  • May miss some polyps and cancers
  • Can produce false-positive results
  • A colonoscopy is needed if results are abnormal