Colorectal Screening
Colorectal cancer screenings are a safe and proven way to find colorectal cancer or colon-related conditions in your body early enough so that timely treatment can improve your health. That’s why it’s important to get them done on time even if you don’t have symptoms.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Your risk for colorectal cancer gets higher as you age. A variety of screening tests are recommended for different reasons, but all of them highly reduce your chances of developing a more serious-staged cancer.
You and your provider can work together to keep you healthy by:
- Completing regular screenings.
- Limiting alcohol and tobacco use.
- Eating healthy: less fatty foods and more proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
- Exercising throughout the week…even if it’s taking a fast walk!
- Maintaining a healthy weight. Discuss your ideal weight with your doctor.
What is screening?
- Screening is looking for cancer before a person has any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread.
- It is important to remember that your doctor does not necessarily think you have cancer if he or she suggests a screening test. Screening tests are given when you have no cancer symptoms. Screening tests may be repeated on a regular basis.
Learn about the different screening options below:
- Colonoscopy — Colonoscopy is the gold standard of finding and detecting colorectal cancer. This procedure is safe and effective. It allows your doctor to look for and remove growths that could develop into cancer and spread to other parts of your body. It is important to note that should you have a positive result, a colonoscopy will be recommended. Often, these follow-up colonoscopies are not covered as well as the screening colonoscopy.
- Reduce likelihood of cancer developing
- Increase your survival rate if cancer is detected
- Are covered by insurance and/or Medicare
- Cologuard® - Cologuard® is an at-home colorectal cancer screening test. It is best for those at average risk of developing this type of cancer. You’ll receive a kit with everything you need to collect a stool sample with minimal contact with your stool.
- FIT Test — A FIT test is an at-home test that looks for blood in your bowels (stool or poop), which can be a symptom of cancer and other health issues. It is best for those at average risk of developing this type of cancer. You’ll receive a kit with everything you need to collect a stool sample with minimal contact with your stool.