The risk for colon cancer is greater for people 45 and older and for those with a family history of the disease. The good news is that appropriate screening helps prevent 90% of all colon and rectal cancers.
On this page, you’ll find helpful information about risks, screening options, warning signs, and prevention tips. You can also view informative videos about colonoscopy prep and procedures. To determine if a colonoscopy or another screening test is right for you, take our questionnaire.
MAIN TYPES OF COLON CANCER SCREENING
Colonoscopy remains the best colorectal cancer screening test as it can screen, detect, treat, prevent, and cure most significant colon lesions during one exam. It’s one of three common colon screening tests available.
COLONOSCOPY
While the patient is under anesthesia, a physician examines the inside of the colon using a flexible tube called a colonoscope. If abnormal tissue or polyps are found, they can be removed and biopsied. Go to the MNGI Colonoscopy info page.
FIT
The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is an at-home screening test for colon cancer that detects hidden blood in the stool which can be an early sign of cancer. While you do not need to prep for it, the test is not as accurate as a colonoscopy.
COLOGUARD®
Cologuard® is a noninvasive, at-home stool test used to find DNA from abnormal cells. It’s for men and women age 45 and older who are at average risk for colon cancer. All positive Cologuard® results should be followed by a screening colonoscopy.
DETERMINE IF COLONOSCOPY OR ANOTHER SCREENING TEST IS RIGHT FOR YOU.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
COLON CANCER WARNING SIGNS AND PREVENTION TIPS
Routine colon screening is recommended for everyone age 45 and older, and those with a family history of the disease or colon polyps should begin at age 40.
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Most insurance companies and Medicare will cover the cost of a screening colonoscopy but check with your insurance provider first. If your colonoscopy finds pre-cancerous polyps, it is important to notify close relatives as they are also at a higher risk of colon cancer and should schedule a colonoscopy as a precaution.
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT COLONOSCOPY?
WATCH THESE VIDEOS TO LEARN MORE.
To answer your questions and give you a better understanding of colonoscopy prep and procedure, check out these easy-to-follow, informative videos. Learn more on the Colonoscopy Prep Page.