Colorectal Cancer Screening: Your Questions Answered

Anyone can get colorectal cancer, but some things make it more likely. You may be at higher risk if you:

• Have had polyps (growths) in your colon or rectum, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, ovary problems, or type 2 diabetes.
  
• Have family members who had colon, rectal, or other cancers.

You can lower your risk by not:

• Smoking.
  
• Drinking more than two alcoholic drinks a day.
  
• Being overweight (BMI of 30 or higher).

You should get your first screening at age 45. But, you may need one sooner if you have a higher risk or have symptoms. Talk to your doctor and see what’s best for you.

• Colonoscopy: A doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look at your whole colon for polyps or other problems. This is usually done every 10 years if you have normal results.
  
• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): A small sample of your stool (poop) is tested for blood. This is usually done once a year.
  
• Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): This is like the FOBT. It also checks your stool for blood and is usually done once a year.
  
• Stool DNA Test (Cologuard): This test checks a stool sample for both blood and DNA changes that could mean cancer. This is usually done every 3 years.
  
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A doctor puts a tube into your rectum to look for problems in the rectum and lower colon. This is usually done every 5 years.
  
• CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): This uses X-rays and computers to create pictures of your colon. This is usually done every 5 years.

Talk to your doctor! They will consider:

• Your past health (both yours and your family's).
  
• Any symptoms you have.
  
• Your risk factors (what you eat, how you live, your weight, age, and your background).
  
• Your preferences.

Colonoscopies are important because they allow doctors to see your whole colon and rectum and remove polyps before they turn into cancer. Finding cancer early with colonoscopies can help people live longer and have better treatment results.

If the tests show no cancer, your doctor will tell you when to get checked again based on your age and risks. If you get a colonoscopy, you usually don't need another one for 10 years if the results are normal.

If the tests show polyps or signs of cancer, you will need more tests:

• Diagnostic colonoscopy: To look at the problems again.
  
• Polypectomy: To remove any polyps found.
  
• Biopsy: To test a piece of the tissue for cancer.
  
• Imaging: To get more pictures of your colon.

Your health care team will make a plan to treat you based on your specific needs.

Screening colonoscopies are often covered by insurance. If you choose a different test and it shows a problem, you might need a diagnostic colonoscopy, which can cost you money. So, it may be best to start with a colonoscopy if your doctor agrees.

To get ready, you need to clean out your colon. Your doctor will give you instructions. These usually include:

• Drinking only clear liquids for 1-3 days before the test.
  
• Taking medicine to empty your colon.
  
• Not taking certain medicines.

You will lie on your side on a table. You will get medicine to help you relax and feel less discomfort. The doctor will put a long, flexible tube with a camera into your rectum and move it through your colon. The doctor will look at the lining of your colon and take out any polyps or bad tissue for testing.

After the colonoscopy, you will stay in a room until the medicine wears off. You may have some gas or feel bloated. You will need someone to drive you home. Your doctor will talk to you about the results and tell you if you need any other tests.

Colonoscopies are often done at hospitals, clinics, or doctor's offices. Call your insurance company to find a doctor in your plan. You can also ask your regular doctor to recommend someone.

Call your doctor to set up a time to talk about what tests are right for you. If you need help finding a doctor, log in to your member portal.