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Colon cancer screenings

Better understand your screening options

Colon cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in the United States. Fortunately, it is also one of the few cancers that can be prevented through screening. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults at average risk for colon cancer start screening at age 45. Multiple screening options are available for most patients, including colonoscopy — an outpatient procedure — and at-home tests like Cologuard® and FIT. The best screening is the one you have. Please contact your insurance provider to verify coverage for specific services. Don't have insurance? Learn more.

Why is screening so important?

When caught in early stages, colon cancer is more treatable. (1) Additional reasons to screen early include:

  • Colon cancer rates are increasing in younger adults. (2)
  • A study of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer found 1 in 7 were under the age of 50. (3)
  • About 80% of cases have no prior family history.
  • Symptoms are not always present.

Colonoscopy

This outpatient visual exam looks for and removes abnormal growths in the colon and rectum using a flexible, lighted tube.

  • Age Group:  Adults 45 and older at high or average risk
  • Frequency:  Every 10 years unless abnormalities are present or you’re at high risk
  • Location:  Procedural area, where sedation will be used to keep you comfortable
  • Prep:  Full bowel preparation including fasting and laxatives is required
  • Timeline:  1-2 days are needed for bowel prep and procedure
  • Cost:  Exam is covered by most insurers
  • Results:  Polyps will be removed and examined in a biopsy

Cologuard

Completed from the privacy of home, this multitarget stool DNA test finds abnormal DNA and blood in your stool sample. Learn more about: Cologuard

  • Age Group:  Adults 45 and older at average risk
  • Frequency:  Every 3 years
  • Location:  Exam can be done at home
  • Prep:  No preparation is required
  • Timeline:  Only takes the time needed to collect a sample
  • Cost:  Exam is covered by most insurers
  • Results:  If positive, a follow-up colonoscopy is done which may incur additional costs

FIT

Also completed at home, this fecal immunochemical test detects blood in your stool sample.

  • Age Group:  Adults 45 and older at average risk
  • Frequency:  Every year
  • Location:  Exam can be done at home
  • Prep:  No preparation is required
  • Timeline:  Only takes the time needed to collect a sample 
  • Cost:  Exam is covered by most insurers
  • Results:  If positive, a follow-up colonoscopy is done which may incur additional costs
  1. National Cancer Institute. SEER cancer stat facts: colorectal cancer. Accessed October 18, 2021. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect.html
  2. Wolf AMD, Fontham ETH, Church TR, et al. Colorectal cancer screening for average-risk adults: 2018 guideline update from the American Cancer Society. CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68(4):250-281.
  3. Abdelsattar ZM, Wong SL, Regenbogen SE, Jomaa DM, Hardiman KM, Hendren S. Cancer. 2016;122(6):929-34.