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March is Colorectal Health Awareness Month

Know Your Options for Colon Cancer Screening

Did you know that March is Colorectal Health Awareness Month? Getting screened regularly is one of the best ways to prevent colon cancer. A screening can help find cancer even if you have no symptoms. A colonoscopy isn’t the only test available, there are some you can do at home.

Even if you have no family history of colon cancer, you should get a screening starting at 45 years old. If you’re African American, your risk is greater. Talk to your doctor about when to start getting screened for colon cancer. You may be eligible for any of the preventive screening tests below:

  • FIT;
  • gFOBT;
  • Cologuard® stool DNA test;
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy; or
  • Colonoscopy.

The FIT and gFOBT tests are done every year; they detect hidden blood in the stool.  Here are some features about each test:

  • Done at home;
  • For FIT no prep required;
  • For gFOBT some prep required;
  • Both are risk-free; and
  • If you test positive, a colonoscopy is recommended.

The Cologuard® stool DNA test is done every three years; it detects altered DNA and blood in the stool. Here are features regarding this test:

  • Done at home;
  • No prep required;
  • Detects cancer and precancerous cells;
  • Can at times return false-positive or false-negative results; and
  • If you test positive, a colonoscopy is recommended.

The Flexible sigmoidoscopy test is done every five years. Here are features regarding this test:

  • Removal of any polyps in rectum and lower colon;
  • Special diet and bowel prep required;
  • Quick, safe and does not require sedation; and
  • Can miss small polyps.

The Colonoscopy test is done every ten years. Here are features regarding this test:

  • Removal of any polyps in rectum and lower colon;
  • Special diet and bowel prep required;
  • Sedation is likely; you will need a ride home; and
  • Best test for preventing colorectal cancer.

Talk with your health care provider today to decide which test is right for you.  

For information about colorectal tests, visit here.

Brought to you by:

Useful links:

  1. Know Your Colorectal Cancer Screening Options - Connect Community - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (bcbsil.com)
  2. Not Just Colonoscopies - Hally Health
  3. Don't Give Cancer a Chance (healthlink.com)
  4. What is a Colorectal Cancer Screening? | MinuteClinic (cvs.com)
  5. Before Cancer Treatment | Protect my smile | Delta Dental