Colorectal and Pancreatic Cancer Screening

• Adults, beginning at age 45 and continuing until age 75
• Some younger adults (before age 45) who have some conditions that increase colorectal cancer risk (cystic fibrosis) or a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• For people ages 76-85, the decision to continue screening should is based on a personal preference, prior screening history and overall health. Those over 85 most likely do not benefit from having routine screening.
• Frequency of screening depends upon type of screening test used, the results of the previous testing, as well as family history.

If you have any symptoms such as blood in stool or dark stools, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or change in bowel habits, don't delay and share it with your doctor as more immediate attention might be needed.

• Colonoscopy: Examination of the inside of the colon using a colonoscope, a thin, flexible, lighted tube instrument inserted into the rectum. It has a tool to remove abnormal tissue to be examined for cancer under a microscope. Performed under sedation so there is no pain during the procedure, the test is most effective when the colon is totally clear of stool. That requires a liquid diet and bowel cleansing (prep) by laxatives a day or two before the procedure. A colonoscopy is not only a highly effective detection tool, but it’s also the only test that can prevent colorectal cancer by removing small growths or polyps before they become a problem. Frequency: Once every 10 years if negative or sooner if indicated due to polyps or other risk factors, such as family history.
• Stool-Based Testing: Screening by stool testing is only recommended for people at average risk for colorectal cancer. These tests can be done in the comfort of your home and don’t require changes in diet, medications or a bowel prep. Stool-based testing isn’t recommended for those at increased risk for colorectal cancer including patients with a personal history of polyps or cancers of the GI tract, family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, known genetic risk factors, inflammatory bowel disease or symptoms such as bleeding or anemia.
  • Multi-targeted Stool DNA Test: This test checks stool for blood as well as certain DNA markers that are associated with colorectal cancer and polyps. It is important to know that a positive test will require the patient to undergo a colonoscopy to determine if cancer or an advanced polyp is present. Frequency: Once every three years if negative.
  • Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): This test checks stool for blood. It is important to know that a positive test will require the patient to undergo a colonoscopy to determine if cancer or an advanced polyp is present. Frequency: Once every year, if negative.
• CT Colonography: This is a specialized CT scan used to evaluate the lining of the colon for growths or polyps. A bowel cleansing (prep) is required, and a follow-up colonoscopy is recommended to remove any polyp detected during this test, which would require a bowel cleansing (prep) as well. Frequency: Once every 5 years if negative.

• Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Genetic predisposition, such as Lynch Syndrome (a hereditary condition for developing benign polyps at an early age), polyposis or other colon cancer-related conditions
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis
• Personal history of certain types of polyps

Colorectal cancer screening can save lives. Although there are benefits associated with colonoscopy, stool-based testing is also an effective colorectal cancer screening tool. Speak to your doctor to determine which colon cancer screening is right for you?