Colorectal cancer screening tests
Doctor's advice, Older Adults /
1
FIT Kit
A fecal immunochemical test (FIT), is used to detect hidden blood in the stool. The FIT kit is completed in the privacy of your home by taking 1-3 small samples from different bowel movements. If a large polyp or tumor is growing in the colon or rectum, trace amounts of blood may be deposited on the stool as it passes through. If your test result is positive, a timely Colonoscopy is recommended.
Recommended frequency: Yearly
2
Cologuard
Cologuard uses advanced stool DNA technology to find elevated levels of altered DNA and/or hemoglobin in your cells, which could be associated with cancer or precancer. The Cologuard collection kit is completed in the privacy or your home by collecting a single stool sample. If your test result is positive, a timely Colonoscopy is recommended.
Recommended frequency: Every 3 years
3
Colonoscopy
A Colonoscopy is used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. This test requires patients to complete a bowel prep kit before the procedure and bring a companion to escort you home. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon. If any polyps or other types of abnormal tissue are found during the procedure, they can be removed right then. Any tissue samples taken during the procedure are then sent off for biopsy.
Recommended frequency: Every 10 years
