Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colonoscopy uses a flexible, lighted tube to look at the inside of your colon. This procedure is done with sedation, so there is no discomfort during the procedure. The doctor can remove potentially precancerous colon polyps and collect tissue samples (biopsy) for closer examination. Learn more about what to expect during a colonoscopy.

Frequency

Once every 10 years (more frequently in people who had an abnormal test and those at increased risk of colorectal cancer)

Pro

Only colonoscopy allows for the detection and removal of potentially precancerous polyps—before they can grow into cancer—and the identification of early cancers during a single examination of the entire colon.

NewYork-Presbyterian has simplified the process for getting a colonoscopy. Many people can schedule a colonoscopy directly, without having a pre-procedure doctor visit. To find out if you qualify, you can complete a questionnaire over the phone. Depending on your personal history, we will let you know if you need to come see the doctor first. Due to this more efficient process, you can usually obtain an appointment within 1-2 weeks at some of our locations.

Con

You will need to complete a bowel preparation to clean all of the stool out of your colon prior to the procedure. This process can be unpleasant. The test requires sedation and the need to be escorted home.

Stool-based tests are non-invasive colorectal cancer screening tests that check your stool for microscopic traces of blood or abnormal DNA markers that are associated with colorectal cancer. There are two stool-based tests: fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which looks for blood in the stool, and Cologuard, which looks for blood and abnormal DNA markers in the stool.

Stool-based tests are non-invasive colorectal cancer screening tests that check your stool for microscopic traces of blood or abnormal DNA markers that are associated with colorectal cancer. There are two stool-based tests: fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which looks for blood in the stool, and Cologuard, which looks for blood and abnormal DNA markers in the stool.

Frequency

Negative or normal stool-based tests need to be repeated every 1-3 years.

Pro

These tests can be done at home and do not require a bowel preparation or sedation. They can help to detect colorectal cancer at an early stage, when it is easier to treat and potentially cure.

Con

These tests cannot prevent colorectal cancer, since polyps are not removed. If a stool-based screening test is positive, you will need to have a colonoscopy for further evaluation.