Screening Options

Don’t Put Off Your Health

It's too personal to talk about.
I don't understand how the test works.
I'll get tested if I start feeling bad.
I'm scared they'll find something.
I'm not old enough to get colon cancer.

These are some of the things people tell themselves to avoid getting screened for colon cancer. But if you're 50 years or older, have a family history, or experience symptoms at any age, you should be screened.

Screen for Life

The benefits of screening are well-documented and can be life-saving.

  • Colon cancer is one cancer that’s 90% preventable with early and regular screening.*
  • Screening can stop cancer before it starts by catching polyps before they become cancerous.
  • When caught early, colon cancer is more easily treated and can be cured.

Make regular screening part of a healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about getting screened for colon cancer.

Make a Plan for Colon Health

Starting at age 50, make a plan to get screened using one of the following methods:
  • Every 10 years: Have a colonoscopy, and have all non-cancerous polyps removed

    Or
  • Every 5 years: Have a sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema or CT colonography

    Or
  • Every year: Have a fecal occult blood test

No matter how old you are, see a doctor for a colonoscopy immediately if you are experiencing symptoms.

If you have a personal or family history of cancer, colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, breast, uterine, endometrial cancer, or some other cancers of the GI tract or female reproductive system, talk to your doctor about early screening. More frequent testing may be appropriate.

Talking to Your Doctor about Screening is Easier than You Think

Starting a conversation with your doctor about colon cancer screening may sound uncomfortable, but it’s a conversation that can save your life.

Click here for a list of questions you can print and take with you when you see your physician.

Remember that colon cancer is preventable and easy to treat when detected early. So talk with your healthcare provider about what kind of screening is right for you.

*Taken from www.stopcoloncancernow.com/about-your-health/prevention