Get Screened

Are you 45 or older? ➜ Yes ➜ Talk to your health care provider about the best colon cancer screening test for you.

Ask anyone... Your health care provider. Your family. Your friend.

It’s worth the prep. It’s worth your peace of mind. It’s worth your life.
GET SCREENED FOR COLON CANCER.

The best test is the one that gets done:

Colonoscopy

What is it?

A physician will use a small, thin scope to examine the entire rectum and colon to look for precancerous cells known as polyps. You will be sedated during the procedure and any polyps will be removed, which prevents colorectal cancer.

How often should it be done?

Every 10 years, if normal.

Where is it done?

A hospital, ambulatory surgery center, or endoscopy center.

What are the pros/cons?

Pro: Only test that can detect and remove precancerous polyps.

Con: Bowel prep is required, there is a small, rare, risk of complications.

What is the cost?

Screening colonoscopies must be covered and are less costly than diagnostic colonoscopies. Coverage varies by insurance.

Who should get this test?

Almost everyone is a good candidate. This is the best test to examine and prevent cancer.

FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test)

What is it?

A physician will order this stool-based test to be performed at home.The stool will be sent to local lab that will look for small amounts of blood.

How often should it be done?

Every 1 year, if normal.

Where is it done?

Your home.

What are the pros/cons?

Pro: No physical risks.

Con: A positive result will require a diagnostic colonoscopy.

What is the cost?

Low cost option.

Who should get this test?

This a good option for low and average-risk patients that are hesitant about a colonoscopy.

Cologuard ®

What is it?

A physician will order this stool-based test to be performed at home. The kit will be mailed to your home and your stool sample will be sent to an outside lab to look for small amount of blood or DNA markers that help identify colon cancers.

How often should it be done?

Every 3 years, if normal.

Where is it done?

Your home.

What are the pros/cons?

Pro: No physical risks

Con: A positive result will require a diagnostic colonoscopy.

What is the cost?

Coverage varies by insurance.

Who should get this test?

This a good option for low and average-risk patients that are hesitant about a colonoscopy.

Symptoms include: