Colonoscopy

Who should get screened?
The American Cancer Society recommends regular screening for colorectal cancer starting at age 45, but some insurance companies don’t cover it until age 50. People whose family members have had colorectal cancer or those with other risk factors can talk with their doctors about beginning screenings earlier.

Additional screening options
While colonoscopies are the most common screening tool used to detect colorectal cancer, there are noninvasive at-home screening options available as well. Check with your primary care doctor to see if you would be a good candidate for an at-home colorectal screening like FIT or Cologuard®. Your doctor will determine the best screening option for you based on your risk level for colorectal cancer.

• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) checks for hidden blood in the stool from the lower intestines. This test must be done every year. It can be done in the privacy of your own home and there are no drug or dietary restrictions before the FIT test is completed. If the test result is positive (that is, if hidden blood is found), a follow-up colonoscopy will need to be done to investigate further. Although blood in the stool can be from cancer or polyps, it can also be from other causes, such as ulcers, hemorrhoids, or other conditions.
• Cologuard® test Cologuard® is a noninvasive screening method that tests for both DNA changes and blood in the stool, it is effective in finding both pre-cancer and cancer. This test should be completed every 3 years. A Cologuard® test can be completed in the privacy of your own home and it does not require you to follow a special diet or change your medications prior to completing the test. Cologuard® does produce some false positive results, so any positive should be discussed with your primary care doctor and followed by a colonoscopy.  Cologuard® is prescribed through your health care provider and cannot be purchased over the counter. Reach out to your primary care doctor if you are an average risk patient eligible for an at-home Cologuard® screening.