Colon Cancer Screening
Regular colorectal cancer screening can help find cancer earlier and identify precancerous polyps before they become cancer. Whether you’re due for routine screening, have a family history, or aren’t sure which screening option is right for you, NCH Gastroenterology can help you determine the appropriate next step.
Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Matters
Colorectal cancer often develops from abnormal growths called polyps that form in the colon or rectum. While many polyps are harmless, some can become cancerous over time. Because colorectal cancer may develop without noticeable symptoms, regular screening can help identify cancer earlier and find precancerous polyps before they become cancer.
Some screening tests look for signs of colorectal cancer, while colonoscopy allows a physician to examine the colon directly and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure. Knowing when to begin screening and which option is appropriate for you depends on your age, health history, and individual risk.
Understanding the Role of Colonoscopy in Screening
Unlike other screening options, colonoscopy allows your gastroenterologist to examine the entire colon and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure. A colonoscopy is also needed if another screening test returns an abnormal result. Learn more about how to prepare, what happens during the procedure, recovery, and results on our Colonoscopy page.
Know Your Risk
Colorectal cancer screening generally begins at age 45 for adults at average risk. Certain risk factors may mean you need to begin screening earlier or be screened more often. If you’re experiencing concerning symptoms, talk with your doctor rather than waiting for your next routine screening.
You May Need Earlier or More Frequent Screening If You Have:
- A family history of colorectal cancer or certain polyps, particularly in a parent, sibling, or child
- Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- An inherited syndrome associated with colorectal cancer, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain polyps
- A history of radiation to the abdomen or pelvis
Talk With Your Doctor If You Experience:
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
- Persistent changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing abdominal pain or cramping
- Iron-deficiency anemia
These symptoms may require diagnostic evaluation rather than routine colorectal cancer screening. Talk with your doctor about the appropriate next step.
Colorectal cancer rates have been rising among adults under 50 — age alone shouldn’t rule out a conversation with your doctor if something feels wrong.
Compare Your Screening Options
There are several ways to screen for colorectal cancer. The right option depends on your age, individual risk, health history, screening history, and personal preferences. Talk with your doctor about which screening approach is appropriate for you.
| Screening Test | How It Works | Recommended Frequency | Prep Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colonoscopy | Examines the entire colon and allows precancerous polyps to be found and removed during the same procedure | Every 10 years, with a normal result | Full bowel prep, sedation provided |
| FIT | At-home stool test that looks for hidden blood | Every year | No bowel prep |
| Stool DNA / FIT-DNA | At-home stool test that looks for blood and certain DNA changes associated with colorectal cancer | Every 3 years | No bowel prep |
| CT Colonography | Uses CT imaging to create detailed images of the colon and rectum | Every 5 years | Full bowel prep, no sedation |
| Flexible Sigmoidoscopy | Uses a flexible scope to examine the rectum and lower portion of the colon | Every 5 years | Partial bowel prep, usually no sedation |
| Blood-Based Screening | Blood draw checks for DNA changes associated with colorectal cancer | Every 3 years | None |
An abnormal result from a non-colonoscopy screening test requires a follow-up colonoscopy to examine the colon directly.
Colonoscopy is unique among these options because physicians can identify and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure.
Advanced Technology
GI Genius™ AI-Assisted Detection
During colonoscopy, NCH gastroenterologists may use GI Genius™, an AI-assisted technology that provides an additional layer of visual support to help identify potential polyps in real time.
Your Screening Journey
Your exact screening experience will depend on the test you and your physician choose, but the process generally follows a few key steps.
Talk to Your Doctor
Discuss your age, health history, family history, previous screening, and preferences
Choose Your Screening Option
Your physician can help determine which screening approach is appropriate based on your individual risk and needs
Complete Your Screening
Follow the instructions provided for your specific screening test
Review Your Results
Your physician will explain your results and what they mean for your ongoing care
Determine Next Steps
A normal result helps determine when you should be screened again. An abnormal non-colonoscopy test may require follow-up colonoscopy
1
Talk to Your Doctor
Discuss your age, health history, family history, previous screening, and preferences
2
Choose Your Screening Option
Your physician can help determine which screening approach is appropriate based on your individual risk and needs
3
Complete Your Screening
Follow the instructions provided for your specific screening test
4
Review Your Results
Your physician will explain your results and what they mean for your ongoing care
5
Determine Next Steps
A normal result helps determine when you should be screened again. An abnormal non-colonoscopy test may require follow-up colonoscopy
Frequently Asked Questions
What age should I start colorectal cancer screening?
Most adults at average risk should begin screening at age 45. Your physician may recommend starting earlier based on your family history or other risk factors.
How do I know which colorectal cancer screening test is right for me?
The right test depends on your age, health history, risk factors, and personal preferences. Your physician can help you weigh the options and determine the most appropriate approach for you.
If I choose a stool test, will I still need a colonoscopy?
Only if your result is abnormal. Stool-based, imaging, and blood-based tests all require a follow-up colonoscopy to examine the colon directly if a possible issue is found.
What happens if my screening test comes back abnormal?
What if I have a family history of colorectal cancer?
A family history may mean you need to begin screening earlier or be screened more often. Talk with your doctor about a personalized screening plan based on your specific family history.
Can young adults develop colorectal cancer?
Yes. Colorectal cancer rates have been rising among adults under 50. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or persistent changes in bowel habits, talk with your doctor regardless of your age.
Can colorectal cancer screening help prevent cancer?
In many cases, yes. Screening can help identify precancerous polyps before they become cancer. With colonoscopy, your physician can remove these polyps during the same procedure.
Is colorectal cancer screening covered by insurance?
Coverage for colorectal cancer screening varies based on your insurance plan, the screening test, your age and risk factors, and whether the service is considered preventive or diagnostic. Contact your insurance provider to confirm your individual coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.
Location
Colon cancer screening is performed at NCH Gastroenterology outpatient locations.
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3302 Bonita Beach Rd Se, Suite 170, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
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(239) 624-1050
Explore All Gastroenterology Services
Conditions, screenings, and advanced GI care at NCH.
Take the Next Step
Regular colorectal cancer screening can help detect cancer earlier and identify precancerous polyps before they become cancer. Whether you’re due for your first screening, have questions about your risk, or aren’t sure which screening option is right for you, NCH Gastroenterology can help you determine the appropriate next step.