Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests

Several tests can be used to screen for colorectal cancer (see American Cancer Society Guideline for Colorectal Cancer Screening). The most important thing is to get screened, no matter which test you choose. Colonoscopy, a screening test, can even prevent colorectal cancer by finding polyps before they turn into cancer.

Types of colorectal cancer screening tests

There are 3 main types of colorectal cancer screening tests :

• Stool-based tests: These tests check the stool (feces) for signs of colon or rectal cancer, such as small amounts of blood. These tests are not invasive and are easier to have done than visual exams, but they need to be done more often.
• Visual exams: These tests look inside 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) that is placed into the rectum, or with special imaging tests.
• Blood-based tests: These tests check a person's blood for signs of colorectal cancer.

These tests each have different benefits, limits, and harms (see the table below), and some of them might be better choices for you than others.

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 (especially colonoscopy) might also be used if you have symptoms that might be caused by other digestive diseases.

Stool-based tests

These tests look at the stool (feces) for possible signs of colorectal cancer or polyps, such as small amounts of blood or changes in the DNA or RNA from cells in the stool.

These tests can be done at home, and many people find they are more convenient and easier to have than visual tests like a colonoscopy. Stool-based tests, however, need to be done more often compared with visual exams.

If the result from a stool-based test is abnormal, you will still need a colonoscopy to see if you have colorectal cancer.

All stool-based tests look for occult (hidden) blood in the stool, and some look for other possible signs of cancer as well. The idea behind this is that blood vessels in larger colorectal polyps or in cancers are often fragile and easily damaged when stool passes through. The damaged vessels usually bleed into the colon or rectum, but only rarely is there enough blood for it to be seen by the naked eye in the stool.

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) checks for hidden blood in the stool from the lower intestines. If you choose this test, it should be done every year, in the privacy of your home.

Unlike the guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT, see below), the FIT test does not have any drug or dietary restrictions because vitamins and foods do not affect the test results. Collecting the samples may also 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 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. 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.

If the test result is positive (that is, if hidden blood is found), a colonoscopy will be needed 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). Unlike 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).

If you choose this test, it should be done every year, in the privacy of your home. It checks more than one stool sample. The American Cancer Society recommends that only the highly sensitive versions of this test be used.

An FOBT done during a digital rectal exam in the doctor’s office is not enough for proper screening, because it is more likely to miss some colorectal cancers.

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: You 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 result, 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.

To do this test, have all 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. 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.

Multitargeted stool DNA or RNA tests

Multitargeted stool DNA or RNA tests with fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) look for certain abnormal sections of DNA or RNA from cancer or polyp cells, as well as for occult (hidden) blood. Colorectal cancer or polyp cells often have DNA or RNA mutations (changes). Cells with these mutations often get into the stool, where tests may be able to find them.

• Cologuard tests for DNA changes and blood in the stool.
• ColoSense tests for RNA changes and blood in the stool.*

*ColoSense is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it has not yet been evaluated for inclusion in colorectal cancer screening guidelines by the American Cancer Society or the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Because it’s not included in the current USPSTF recommendations, insurance coverage may not be available.

If you choose one of these tests, it should be done every 3 years. They are done in the privacy of your own home. They test a full bowel movement. 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, a FIT test (see above), 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.

If the test result is positive (if it finds DNA changes, RNA changes, or blood), a colonoscopy will need to be done.

For information on the differences between these tests and other colorectal cancer screening tests, see the table below.

Visual exams

These tests look at the inside of the colon and rectum for any abnormal areas that might be cancer or polyps.

Colonoscopy

For this test, the doctor looks at the entire length of the colon and rectum with a colonoscope, a flexible tube 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 samples) or remove any suspicious-looking areas such as polyps, if needed.

To see a visual animation of a colonoscopy as well as learn more 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 (see below).

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 an 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 like a colonoscopy except it doesn’t examine the entire colon. A sigmoidoscope, a flexible, lighted tube with a small video camera on the end, is inserted in through the anus, into the rectum, and then moved into the lower part of the colon. The sigmoidoscope is only about 2 feet (60 cm) 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.

This test is not widely used as a screening tool for colorectal cancer in the United States. This is mainly because a sigmoidoscopy looks only at the lower portion (left side) of your colon, while at least 4 out of 10 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 (known as bowel prep). You’ll probably need to take medicines such as enemas to clean out the intestines before the test, although this is likely to be less intense than the bowel prep needed before 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 might be uncomfortable, 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.

Blood-based tests

There are 2 FDA-approved, blood-based tests for colorectal screening in people who are at average risk:

• Shield
• ColoHealth (previously Epi proColon)

These tests look for possible signs of colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous polyps in a person's blood, although they are more accurate at detecting colorectal cancer than pre-cancerous polyps.

These tests are done in a clinic, where a sample of your blood will be collected and sent to a lab. In the lab, 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.

Although these tests are FDA-approved, they have not been reviewed by the American Cancer Society, so they are not included as part of the ACS Guideline for Colorectal Cancer Screening at this time. They also have not been reviewed by the USPSTF, which means they might not be covered by private insurance without out-of-pocket costs. However, Medicare Part B covers the Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening without out-of-pocket costs.

For a comparison of the different colorectal cancer screening tests, see the table below.

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 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 No bowel prep No pre-test diet or medication changes needed Sampling done at home 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 No bowel prep Sampling done at home Inexpensive	Can miss many polyps and some cancers Can have false-positive test results Pre-test changes in diet (and possibly medication) 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 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 if a person is uninsured Sedation is usually needed, in which case you will need someone to drive you home You might 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