Graphic illustrating the colorectal cancer testing status of adults aged 50 to 75 years. 65 percent of adults are up to date on colorectal cancer testing, 28 percent have never been tested, and 7 percent have been tested but are not up to date. Of the 28 percent of adults who have never been tested, 76 percent are insured and 24 percent are uninsured.
Choosing the right test
Do you have: Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps? Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease?
Answer Yes: Colonoscopy Provider and patient determine if testing should be started before age 50.
Answer No: Are you Age 50 – 75 years old?
Answer Yes: Provider and patient decide which test is preferred.* (see table below)
Answer No: Younger than 50 years Testing is not recommended. Older than 75 years Provider and patient decide if testing is needed.
FOBT/FIT†
Colonoscopy
Key facts
Reduces death from colorectal cancer
Safe, available, and easy to complete
Done on your own at home
Finds cancer early by finding blood in the stool
Finds most cancers early when done every year
Things to consider
May produce positive test results, even when no polyps or cancer are in the colon
When the test is positive colonoscopy is required
Person testing themselves comes into brief close contact with stool samples on a test kit and must mail it or take it to a doctor’s office or lab
†Guaiac Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) or Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
Key facts
Reduces death from colorectal cancer
Can prevent cancer by removing polyps (or abnormal growths in the colon) during test
Examines entire colon
Finds most cancers or polyps that are present at the time of the test
Done every 10 years if no polyps are found
Things to consider
Stomach pain, gas or bloating is possible before, during or after test
Must be performed at a hospital or clinic, usually with sedation or anesthesia, and someone must go with the person to take him or her home after the test
A clear liquid diet is required before test
Must take medication that will cause loose bowel movements to clean out the colon prior to test
Likely needs to take a day off work/activities
Small risk of serious complications (for example, bleeding or perforated colon)
*Flexible sigmoidoscopy may not be readily available and has largely been replaced by colonoscopy in the US.
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