COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING

Choose the Right Test for Your Risk

Learn More

Know Your Risk

Colonoscopy is the only method that detects and treats early stage colorectal cancer and removes precancerous polyps.

Noninvasive methods offer convenience, yet every screening option involves important considerations.

The new blood-based test is not recommended as a first line screening tool.

Screening should begin from age 45 years, and it should be made accessible for all.

English Spanish

Not Recommended

As First-Line Screening Tool

Blood-based screening test

Blood-Based Tests

Limited in terms of sensitivity, especially
regarding stage 1 colorectal cancer and advanced precancers.

Supporting Documents

ASGE Position on Blood-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening

Understand the limitations of blood-based CRC screening

ASGE Supports USPSTF Recommendation to Begin CRC Screening at 45 Years of Age

Hear from ASGE President and President-elect

Clinical Validation of a Circulating Tumor DNA–Based Blood Test to Screen for Colorectal Cancer

Learn how a ctDNA blood test performs in average-risk individuals

Are You At Average-Risk?

People 45 and older*: 

  • Without prior colorectal cancer or polyps
  • Without any of the factors that define high-risk screening

*Per recommendations from the United States Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer and United States Preventive Services Task Force

Blood-based tests are currently unable to detect precancerous lesions and therefore are less effective at preventing colorectal cancer. These tests should only be offered to patients who have declined both screening colonoscopy and fecal-based screening tests. Colonoscopy is required if results are positive (abnormal).

Colonoscopy detecting and removing polyps
Every 10 yrs

Colonoscopy

Most effective in detecting
and removing polyps

Multi-target Stool DNA (mt-sDNA)
Every 3 yrs

Multi-target Stool
DNA (mt-sDNA)

Fecal Immunochemical Test (Stool FIT)
Every Year

Fecal Immunochemical
(Stool FIT)

  • Widely-Covered
  • Cost-Effective
  • Non-invasive screening

Colonoscopy negative result:

The test only needs to be repeated every 10 years.

FIT or mt-sDNA screening positive result:

A colonoscopy to find the suspected cancer and locate and remove cancerous polyps will be required.

Do You Have Symptoms?

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Anemia
  • Change in bowel habits
  • Persistent abdominal pain
  • Unintentional weight loss
Test:
Colonoscopy

Do You Have a Personal History?

  • Previously removed pre-cancerous colorectal polyps
  • Previously had colorectal cancer
Test:
Colonoscopy

Are You at High-risk?

  • Family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps in a first degree relative diagnosed before age 60
  • Multiple first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps
  • Family history of inherited colorectal cancer syndrome
  • Previous diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
Test:
Colonoscopy

Sponsored By:

Exact Sciences