• Colonoscopy

  A simple, routine, and safe procedure performed under general sedation in which your doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a light and camera (called a colonoscope) to view the entire length of the large intestine. Abnormal growths and polyps can be painlessly removed during the procedure and sent for a biopsy. 

  A bowel preparation solution is required to empty and cleanse your colon prior to your procedure.

• CT Virtual Colonoscopy

  An alternative to a colonoscopy, this test uses a special x-ray to obtain 3-D images of your colon and rectum. The images show any polyps or other abnormalities in the colon. This test can be used for patients with medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders, that make traditional colonoscopies riskier.

• Double Contrast Barium Enema

  An x-ray procedure in which your doctor administers an enema with a barium solution, which coats the colon and highlights any abnormalities.

• Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

  A simple take-home test in which 1-3 stool samples are collected and sent to the lab for evaluation to detect the presence of blood in the stool that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

  No preparation is needed for this exam. You simply need to get the kit from your doctor and collect the sample.

  If your FIT comes back positive, a colonoscopy will be needed to look for polyps or any other cause for blood in the stool.

• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

  Similar in procedure to a colonoscopy, except this test looks only at the lower portion of the large intestine and the rectum, instead of the entire large intestine. 

• Stool DNA Test (Cologuard)

  A take-home test that identifies DNA changes in the cells of a stool sample and looks for abnormal DNA associated with colon cancer or polyps. The test also detects hidden blood in the stool, which can indicate the presence of cancer.

  If your Cologuard test comes back positive, a colonoscopy will be needed to look for polyps or any other cause for blood in the stool.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorectal Cancer Screening

• What is a polyp?

  A colon polyp is a small clump of cells that form on the lining of the colon. Most colon polyps are harmless. But over time, some colon polyps can develop into colon cancer, which is often fatal when found in its later stages.

• Who should get screened for colorectal cancer?

  All men and women should be screened for colorectal cancer.

  The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. However, if you or an immediate family member have a history of colorectal cancer or polyps, screening may begin earlier. Talk to your doctor about when you should begin screenings.

  People who are in good health and with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through the age of 75.

  For people ages 76 through 85, the decision to be screened should be based on a person’s preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history.

  People over 85 should no longer get colorectal cancer screening.

• How often should I have colorectal screening tests?

  This will depend on the type of screening test performed.

  A FIT Test should be performed annually.

  A colonoscopy and barium enema should be repeated every 5 to 10 years, depending on if polyps were found.

  A virtual colonoscopy should be performed every 5 years.

  If you have an increased risk for the disease, have had colorectal cancer in the past, or have had previous treatments for colon polyps, you may require more frequent testing.

• Do I need a pre-procedure appointment for a colonoscopy?

  At Rochester Regional Health, scheduling a colonoscopy is easy and convenient. Our Fast-Track Colonoscopy does not require a preliminary office visit. You will receive an initial consultation by phone and come in only for your procedure. If results are normal, a follow-up visit is not needed and results will be available in your MyCare account and sent to your primary care provider.