Test options for colorectal cancer screening
There are 3 main types of colorectal cancer screening tests :
- Blood-based tests:These tests check a person’s blood for signs of colorectal cancer.
- Stool-based tests: These tests check the stool (feces) for signs of colon cancer. These tests are less invasive and easier to have done, but they need to be done more often.
- Visual (structural) exams: These tests look at the structure of the colon and rectum for any abnormal areas. They are done either with a scope (a tube-like instrument with a light and tiny video camera on the end) put into the rectum, or with special imaging (x-ray) tests.
These tests each have different risks and benefits (see the table below), and some of them might be better options for you than others.
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If you choose to be screened with a test other than colonoscopy, any abnormal test result should be followed up with a timely colonoscopy.
Some of these tests might also be used if you have symptoms of colorectal cancer or other digestive diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Blood-based tests
The 2 FDA-approved, blood-based tests for colorectal screening in people who are at average risk are Shield and Epi proColon. These tests look for possible signs of colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous polyps in a person’s blood.
These tests are done in a clinic, where a sample of your blood will be collected and sent to a laboratory for testing. In the laboratory, your blood will be tested for certain DNA changes that could suggest the presence of cancer or pre-cancer cells. Medical insurance coverage may be different for each test.
What is the difference between screening with a blood DNA test and a colonoscopy?
- A blood DNA test is a screening test (not used for prevention) because it can find cancer cells after cancer has developed.
- A colonoscopy can be used for both screening and preventing colon cancer. It can find colon cancer before a person has symptoms (screening) and can also remove suspicious looking polyps before they develop into colon cancer (prevention).
For more detailed information on the differences between these procedures, see the table below.
Stool-based tests
These tests look at the stool (feces) for possible signs of colorectal cancer or polyps. These tests are typically done at home, so many people find them easier than tests like a colonoscopy. But these tests need to be done more often. And if the result from one of these stool tests is positive (abnormal), you will still need a colonoscopy to see if you have cancer.
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
One way to test for colorectal cancer is to look for occult (hidden) blood in the stool. The idea behind this type of test is that blood vessels in larger colorectal polyps or cancers are often fragile and easily damaged by the passage of stool. The damaged vessels usually bleed into the colon or rectum, but only rarely is there enough bleeding for blood to be seen by the naked eye in the stool.
The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) checks for hidden blood in the stool from the lower intestines. This test must be done every year. It can be done in the privacy of your own home.
Unlike the guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT, see below), there are no drug or dietary restrictions before the FIT test (because vitamins and foods do not affect the test) and collecting the samples may be easier. This test is also less likely to react to bleeding from the upper parts of the digestive tract, such as the stomach.
Collecting the samples: Your health care provider will give you the supplies you need for testing. Have all of your supplies ready and in one place. Supplies typically include a test kit, test cards or tubes, long brushes or other collecting devices, waste bags, and a mailing envelope. The kit will give you detailed instructions on how to collect the samples. Be sure to follow the instructions that come with your kit, as different kits might have different instructions. If you have any questions about how to use your kit, contact your health care provider’s office or clinic. Once you have collected the samples, return them (generally within 24 hours) as instructed in the kit.
If the test result is positive (that is, if hidden blood is found), a colonoscopy will need to be done to investigate further. Although blood in the stool can be from cancer or polyps, it can also be from other causes, such as ulcers, hemorrhoids, or other conditions.
Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)
The guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) finds occult (hidden) blood in the stool through a chemical reaction. It works differently from the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), but like the FIT, the gFOBT can’t tell if the blood is from the colon or from other parts of the digestive tract (such as the stomach).
This test must be done every year, unlike some other tests (like the visual tests described below). This test can be done in the privacy of your own home. It checks more than one stool sample.
If gFOBT is chosen for colorectal screening, the American Cancer Society recommends the highly sensitive versions of this test be used.
Before the test: Some foods or drugs can affect the results of this test, so you may be instructed to avoid the following before this test:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin, for 7 days before testing. (They can cause bleeding, which can lead to a false-positive result.) Note: People should try to avoid taking NSAIDs for minor aches prior to the test. But if you take these medicines daily for heart problems or other conditions, don’t stop them for this test without talking to your health care provider first.
- Vitamin C more than 250 mg a day from either supplements or citrus fruits and juices for 3 to 7 days before testing. (This can affect the chemicals in the test and make the result negative, even if blood is present.)
- Red meats (beef, lamb, or liver) for 3 days before testing. (Components of blood in the meat may cause a positive test result.)
Some people who are given the test never do it or don’t return it because they worry that something they ate may affect the test. Even if you are concerned that something you ate may alter the test, the most important thing is to get the test done.
Collecting the samples: You will get a kit with instructions from your health care provider’s office or clinic. The kit will explain how to take stool samples at home (usually samples from 3 separate bowel movements are smeared onto small paper cards). The kit is then returned to the doctor’s office or medical lab for testing.
When doing this test, have all of your supplies ready and in one place. Supplies typically include a test kit, test cards, either a brush or wooden applicator, and a mailing envelope. The kit will give you detailed instructions on how to collect the stool samples. Be sure to follow the instructions that come with your kit, as different kits might have different instructions. If you have any questions about how to use your kit, contact your health care provider’s office or clinic. Once you have collected the samples, return them as instructed in the kit.
If the test result is positive (if hidden blood is found), a colonoscopy will be needed to find the reason for the bleeding.
An FOBT done during a digital rectal exam in the doctor’s office (which only checks one stool sample) is not enough for proper screening, because it is likely to miss colorectal cancers.
Stool DNA test
Multitargeted stool DNA test with fecal immunochemical testing (MT-sDNA or FIT-DNA or sDNA-FIT) looks for certain abnormal sections of DNA from cancer or polyp cells and also for occult (hidden) blood. Colorectal cancer or polyp cells often have DNA mutations (changes) in certain genes. Cells with these mutations often get into the stool, where tests may be able to find them. Cologuard, the only test currently available in the United States, tests for both DNA changes and blood in the stool (FIT).
This test should be done every 3 years and can be done in the privacy of your own home. It tests a full stool sample. There are no drug or dietary restrictions before taking the test.
Collecting the samples: You’ll get a kit in the mail to use to collect your entire stool sample at home. The kit will have a sample container, a bracket for holding the container in the toilet, a bottle of liquid preservative, a tube, labels, and a shipping box. The kit has detailed instructions on how to collect the sample. Be sure to follow the instructions that come with your kit. If you have any questions about how to use your kit, contact your doctor’s office or clinic. Once you have collected the sample, return it as instructed in the kit. The goal is to have the sample arrive to the lab for testing within 72 hours from when it was collected.
If the test is positive (if it finds DNA changes or blood), a colonoscopy will need to be done.
What is the difference between screening with a stool DNA test and a colonoscopy?
- A stool DNA test (Cologuard) can detect the presence of blood or abnormal DNA in the stool, which may be caused by cancer or precancerous polyps that could turn into cancer. A stool DNA test is a screening test (not used for prevention) because it can find cancer cells after it has developed.
- A colonoscopy can be used for both screening and prevention of colon cancer. It can find colon cancer in a person who has no symptoms (screening) and can also remove suspicious looking polyps before they develop into colon cancer (prevention).
For more detailed information on the differences between these procedures, see the table below.
Visual (structural) exams
These tests look at the inside of the colon and rectum for any abnormal areas that might be cancer or polyps. These tests can be done less often than stool-based tests, but they require more preparation ahead of time, and can have some risks not seen with stool-based tests.
Colonoscopy
For this test, the doctor looks at the entire length of the colon and rectum with a colonoscope, a flexible tube about the width of a finger with a light and small video camera on the end. It’s put in through the anus and into the rectum and colon. Special instruments can be passed through the colonoscope to biopsy (take a sample) or remove any suspicious-looking areas such as polyps, if needed.
To see a visual animation of a colonoscopy as well as learn more details about how to prepare for the procedure, how the procedure is done, and potential side effects, see Colonoscopy.
This test is different from a virtual colonoscopy (also known as CT colonography), which is a type of CT scan.
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
This test is an advanced type of computed tomography (CT) scan of the colon and rectum that can show abnormal areas, like polyps or cancer. Special computer programs use both x-rays and a CT scan to make 3-dimensional pictures of the inside of the colon and rectum. It does not require sedation (medicine to sleep) or a scope to be put into the rectum or colon. A small catheter is placed into your rectum to fill your colon with air or carbon dioxide. This allows for clearer CT pictures.
This test may be useful for some people who can’t have or don’t want to have a more invasive test such as a colonoscopy. It can be done fairly quickly, but it requires the same type of bowel prep as a colonoscopy.
If polyps or other suspicious areas are seen on this test, a colonoscopy will still be needed to remove them or to explore the area fully.
Before the test: It’s important that the colon and rectum are emptied before this test to get the best images. You’ll probably be told to follow the same instructions to clean out the intestines as someone getting a colonoscopy.
During the test: This test is done in a special room with a CT scanner. It takes about 15 minutes. You’ll be asked to lie on a narrow table that’s part of the CT scanner, and will have a small, flexible tube put into your rectum. Air is pumped through the tube into the colon and rectum to expand them to provide better pictures. The table then slides into the CT scanner, and you’ll be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the scan is done. You’ll likely have 2 scans: 1 while you’re lying on your back and 1 while you’re on your stomach or side.
Possible side effects and complications: There are usually few side effects after this test. You may feel bloated or have cramps because of the air in the colon and rectum, but this should go away once the air passes from the body. There’s a very small risk that inflating the colon with air could injure or puncture it, but this risk is thought to be much less than with colonoscopy. Like other types of CT scans, this test also exposes you to a small amount of radiation.
Sigmoidoscopy
A sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy except it doesn’t examine the entire colon. A sigmoidoscope (a flexible, lighted tube about the thickness of a finger with a small video camera on the end) is put in through the anus, into the rectum, and then moved into the lower part of the colon. But the sigmoidoscope is only about 2 feet (60cm) long, so the doctor can only see the entire rectum and less than half of the colon. Images from the scope are seen on a video screen so the doctor can find and possibly remove any abnormal areas.
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This test is not widely used as a screening tool for colorectal cancer in the United States. This is because a sigmoidoscopy looks only at the lower portion (left side) of your colon, while at least 40% of colorectal cancers start in the upper portion (right side) of the colon.
Before the test: The colon and rectum should be emptied before this test to get the best pictures. You’ll probably be told to follow similar instructions to clean out the intestines as someone getting a colonoscopy.
During the test: A sigmoidoscopy usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes. Most people don’t need to be sedated for this test, but this might be an option you can discuss with your doctor. Sedation may make the test less uncomfortable, but you’ll need some time to recover from it and you’ll need someone with you to take you home after the test.
You’ll probably be asked to lie on a table on your left side with your knees pulled up near your chest. Before the test, your doctor may put a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to examine it. The sigmoidoscope is first lubricated to make it easier to put into the rectum. Air is then pumped into the colon and rectum through the sigmoidoscope so the doctor can see the inner lining better. This may cause some discomfort, but it should not be painful. Be sure to let your doctor know if you feel pain during the procedure.
If you are not sedated during the procedure, you might feel pressure and slight cramping in your lower belly. To ease discomfort and the urge to have a bowel movement, it may help to breathe deeply and slowly through your mouth. You’ll feel better after the test once the air leaves your bowels.
If any polyps are found during the test, the doctor may remove them with a small instrument passed through the scope. The polyps will be looked at in the lab. If a pre-cancerous polyp (an adenoma) or colorectal cancer is found, you’ll need to have a colonoscopy later to look for polyps or cancer in the rest of the colon.
Possible complications and side effects: You might see a small amount of blood in your bowel movements for a day or 2 after the test. More serious bleeding and puncture of the colon or rectum are possible, but they are not common.
What are some of the benefits and limits of colorectal cancer screening tests?
Test
Benefits
Limits
Blood-based test
No direct risk to the colon
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No bowel prep
No pre-test diet or medication changes needed
Can miss many polyps and some cancers
Will need to have blood drawn in clinic
Medical insurance coverage may vary depending on which blood test is done
Colonoscopy will be needed if results are abnormal
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
No direct risk to the colon
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No bowel prep
No pre-test diet or medication changes needed
Sampling done at home
Fairly inexpensive
Can miss many polyps and some cancers
Can have false-positive test results
Needs to be done every year
Colonoscopy will be needed if results are abnormal
Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)
No direct risk to the colon
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No bowel prep
Sampling done at home
Inexpensive
Can miss many polyps and some cancers
Can have false-positive test results
Pre-test diet changes (and possibly medication changes) are needed
Needs to be done every year
Colonoscopy will be needed if results are abnormal
Stool DNA test
No direct risk to the colon
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No bowel prep
No pre-test diet or medication changes needed
Sampling done at home
Can miss many polyps and some cancers
Can have false-positive test results
Should be done every 3 years
Colonoscopy will be needed if results are abnormal
Colonoscopy
Can usually look at the entire colon
Can biopsy and remove polyps
Done every 10 years
Can help find some other diseases
Full bowel prep needed
Costs more on a one-time basis than other forms of testing
Sedation is usually needed, in which case you will need someone to drive you home
You may miss a day of work
Small risk of bleeding, bowel tears, or infection
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
Fairly quick and safe
Can usually see the entire colon
Done every 5 years
No sedation needed
Can miss small polyps
Full bowel prep needed
Some false-positive test results
Exposure to a small amount of radiation
Can’t remove polyps during testing
Colonoscopy will be needed if results are abnormal
Sigmoidoscopy
Fairly quick and safe
Sedation usually not used
Done every 5 years
Not widely used as a screening test
Bowel prep may still be requested
Looks at only about a third of the colon
Can miss small polyps and/or colorectal cancer
Can’t remove all polyps
May be some discomfort
Very small risk of bleeding, infection, or bowel tear
Colonoscopy will be needed if results are abnormal
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