Gastroenterology (GI)

Colorectal Cancer Screening Options

Screening can help detect colorectal cancer early, and some tests can even help prevent cancer by finding and removing polyps (small growths in the colon or rectum) before they turn cancerous.

At UI Health, several screening options are available, including colonoscopy, FIT tests, and Cologuard. While each test has benefits, colonoscopy remains the gold standard because it allows doctors to directly examine the colon and remove polyps during the same procedure.

Your doctor can help determine which screening option is right for you based on your age, personal health history, family history, and risk factors.

*Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage details.

Colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy, your doctor uses a small camera to examine the inside of the colon and rectum for polyps, cancer, or other abnormalities. If polyps are found, they can often be removed during the same procedure.

Benefits:

• Examines the entire colon and rectum
• Can find and remove polyps during the same procedure
• Can detect colorectal cancer early
• Allows biopsies if needed
• May help diagnose other digestive conditions
• Usually only needed every 10 years for many average-risk patients

Things to Consider:

• Requires bowel preparation before the procedure
• Usually involves sedation
• Takes more time than at-home stool tests
• May require someone to drive you home afterward

Learn more about how to prepare for your colonoscopy.

FIT Test

The FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) is an at-home stool test that checks for hidden blood in the stool, which can sometimes be a sign of colorectal cancer or large polyps.

FIT testing may be a good option for people who are unable to undergo colonoscopy or prefer an at-home screening method.

Benefits:

• Can be completed at home
• Non-invasive
• Does not require sedation
• Does not require bowel preparation
• Quick and convenient

Things to Consider:

• Must usually be repeated every year
• Does not provide a direct view of the colon or rectum
• Cannot remove polyps
• May miss some polyps or cancers
• A positive FIT result requires a follow-up colonoscopy

Cologuard

Cologuard is an at-home stool test that checks for hidden blood and certain DNA changes that may be linked to colorectal cancer or advanced polyps.

For some patients, Cologuard may be a more convenient screening option.

Benefits:

• Can be completed at home
• Non-invasive
• Does not require sedation
• Does not require bowel preparation
• Checks for both blood and DNA changes in stool

Things to Consider:

• Does not provide a direct view of the colon or rectum
• Cannot remove polyps
• May miss some cancers or polyps
• False-positive results can occur
• A positive Cologuard result requires a follow-up colonoscopy

Which Screening Is Right for You?

For many patients, Colonoscopy remains the most complete and effective screening option because it both detects and helps prevent colorectal cancer.

However, your doctor can help you decide which option is best based on your age, health history, family history, and personal risk factors.

Call 312.413.7676 to learn more or schedule an appointment.