loader image
Friday, October 17, 2025
70.3 F
McAllen
- Advertisement -

Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) recommends that adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. Image for illustration purposes
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) recommends that adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. Image for illustration purposes

Mega Doctor News

- Advertisement -

CDC – The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) recommends that adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. The decision to be screened between ages 76 and 85 should be made on an individual basis. If you are older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening. People at an increased risk of getting colorectal cancer should talk to their doctor about when to begin screening, which test is right for them, and how often to get tested.

Several screening tests can be used to find polyps or colorectal cancer. The Task Force outlines the following colorectal cancer screening strategies. It is important to know that if your test result is positive or abnormal on some screening tests (stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and CT colonography), a colonoscopy test is needed to complete the screening process. Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you.

Stool Tests

  • The guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) uses the chemical guaiac to detect blood in the stool. It is done once a year. For this test, you receive a test kit from your health care provider. At home, you use a stick or brush to obtain a small amount of stool. You return the test kit to the doctor or a lab, where the stool samples are checked for the presence of blood.
  • The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool. It is also done once a year in the same way as a gFOBT.
  • The FIT-DNA test (also referred to as the stool DNA test) combines the FIT with a test that detects altered DNA in the stool. For this test, you collect an entire bowel movement and send it to a lab, where it is checked for altered DNA and for the presence of blood. It is done once every three years.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

For this test, the doctor puts a short, thin, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum. The doctor checks for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and lower third of the colon.

- Advertisement -

How often: Every 5 years, or every 10 years with a FIT every year.

Colonoscopy

This is similar to flexible sigmoidoscopy, except the doctor uses a longer, thin, flexible, lighted tube to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and the entire colon. During the test, the doctor can find and remove most polyps and some cancers. Colonoscopy also is used as a follow-up test if anything unusual is found during one of the other screening tests.

How often: Every 10 years (for people who do not have an increased risk of colorectal cancer).

CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)

Computed tomography (CT) colonography, also called a virtual colonoscopy, uses X-rays and computers to produce images of the entire colon, which are displayed on a computer screen for the doctor to analyze.

- Advertisement -

How often: Every 5 years.

How Do I Know Which Screening Test Is Right for Me?

Each test has advantages and disadvantages. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of each test, and how often to be tested. Which test to use depends on—


Information Source: CDC

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

2025 DHR Health Fashion Show & Gala Honoring Heroic Patients

The Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance was filled with emotion, gratitude, and hope on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, as DHR Health hosted its 2025 Fashion Show & Gala Honoring Heroic Patients. The annual event celebrated breast cancer survivors and highlighted the importance of breast reconstruction awareness, education, and innovation in women’s health care.

The Harmful Effects of Alcohol on the Brain

Millions of people drink alcohol, and while many may know the harm it can cause to their liver, some may be surprised to know it can be just as damaging to the brain.

Outer Hip Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Outlook

Mega Doctor News Medical News Today Lateral hip pain is pain that affects...

FDA Clears New Blood Test that Could Speed Alzheimer’s Diagnosis and Treatment

With Alzheimer’s rates climbing and diagnoses often delayed until symptoms progress, a new FDA-cleared blood test could mark a turning point in how the disease is identified and managed.
- Advertisement -
×