Types of Colon Cancer Testing

It is recommended by the US Preventative Service Task Force to get tested for colon cancer from 45-75 (people older than 75 should talk to their doctor about screening). However, if you are noticing symptoms, or have risk factors such as:

• Personal or family history of colon cancer

• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's [español] or Ulcerative Colitis [español]

• Genetic syndromes such as

  • Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) [español]

  • Lynch Syndrome [español]

Then you should talk to your doctor about screening recommendations and options.  

*If you don't have insurance and need to get screened HITCH does testing, find out more HERE​​

There are many different testing options. Some can be done at home, while others require a medical professional. Talk to your doctor about which option is best for you. If you don't want to go through the process of talking with a primary care doctor, some Westchester hospitals have direct Access screening programs. Learn more HERE

At Home Testing Options:

​These tests can be taken at home by taking a sample of a bowel movement, but they are not usually used for people who are at a high risk of colon cancer or showing symptoms. There are three main types:

• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) [click here to learn more][español]

  • Looks for blood in the stool sample​

  • Done once a year

  • Some versions of the test require  dietary preparations as instructed by your

    doctor

• Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT) [click here to learn more]​[español]

  • Type of FOBT test: looks for blood using antibodies​

  • Done once a year

  • Requires no preparation

• ​FIT-DNA test​ [click here to learn more]​[español]

  • Looks for blood and altered DNA in the stool​

  • Requires collection of ENTIRE bowel movement

  • Done every 3 years

In Clinic Testing Options:

These tests are done in a clinic by a medical professional. People who are at high risk of colon cancer or displaying symptoms will generally receive these. There are two main types:

• Colonoscopy [click here to learn more][español]

  • A doctor will insert a tube with a camera into your colon

  • The doctor can look for colon polyps  (most polyps are harmless, but some are pre-cancerous) and remove them

  • Most thorough options for colon cancer screening

  • Requires preparation

  • Done every 10 years

• Sigmoidoscopy  [click here to learn more][español]

  • A doctor will insert a tube with a camera into the lower part of your colon

  • The doctor can look for colon polyps  (most polyps are harmless, but some are pre-cancerous) and remove them

  • Less risk of injury than a colonoscopy, but also less thorough

  • Requires preparation, but less than a colonoscopy

  • Done every 10 years

Imaging test such as CT scans may also be used as a Virtual Colonoscopy. This test would be done every 5 years. Learn more [click here to learn more] [español]