Colon Cancer Screenings

For adults at average risk, screening for colon cancer should begin at age 45 and continue through age 75. There are several highly effective screening methods available. Your choice will depend on your personal risk factors, preferences, and insurance coverage.

Screening Options

1. Colonoscopy: The "gold standard" and most accurate screening test. It requires a full bowel preparation to clear your colon and uses sedation. It can provide a visual diagnosis and grant the opportunity for biopsy or removal of suspicious lesions or polyps. This screening is recommended every 10 years for those without high risk factors.
2. Stool-Based Tests (At-Home Kits): These non-invasive kits check your stool for hidden blood or abnormal DNA/RNA, which can be signs of cancer. They require no prep, but if a result is abnormal, a follow-up colonoscopy is required.
   • Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): Tests for hidden blood. Recommended yearly.
   • Guaiac-based Fecal Occult Blood Test (gFOBT): Tests for hidden blood over three consecutive bowel movements. Recommended yearly.
   • Multitargeted Stool DNA tests: Examples include Cologuard®. Checks for blood and abnormal DNA. Recommended every 1 to 3 years.
   • RNA-based Tests: Examples include ColoSense®. FDA-approved at-home kits that detect biomarkers for cancer and precancerous polyps. Recommended every 3 years.

Who Needs to Screen Sooner?

If you are at an increased or high risk of colorectal cancer, you may need to start screening before age 45, be screened more frequently, or get specific visual tests. Risk factors include:

• A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
• A family history of colorectal cancer or certain genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome.
• Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Contact Liberty Surgical Associates to schedule an appointment for your colon cancer screening consult today.

Liberty Surgical Associates Providers

To schedule a colon cancer screening consultation, please contact Liberty Surgical Associates.