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Posted February 29, 2024
It's normal to feel anxious about getting a colonoscopy. Fortunately, screening for colorectal cancer doesn't have to be inconvenient, scary, embarrassing, painful, or expensive. You have options.
The big takeaway: Finding colorectal cancer early can save your life. Early detection helps your health care team treat it more successfully. The recommended screening age for colonoscopies is between 45 and 75.
A colon cancer screening can help detect cancer when you don’t have symptoms. Colorectal cancer often starts with precancerous growths called polyps inside the colon or rectum.
A colonoscopy is the gold standard method for detecting colorectal cancer, but there are two more options you can do from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
| Option | Is prep required? |
|---|---|
|
Colonoscopy |
There is prep required before the exam. |
|
Stool test (iFOBT)
|
There is no prep. |
|
FIT-DNA
|
There is no prep. |
Talk with your provider to decide which screening option is right for you. They may ask about your risks, family history, talk about each option's benefits and risks, and your preferences. If the test is positive, you will need a colonoscopy.
To learn more about screening options, contact your provider or schedule an appointment today.
A colon cancer screening doesn't have to break the bank. Contact your health insurance provider to learn which screening options are covered under your plan.
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Posted November 15, 2021
Smoking and tobacco use has been trending downward for decades. Despite that trend lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths for men and women in our country. In fact, more people die of lung cancer each year than die of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. Read more about early detection and prevention of lung cancer.
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