Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable yet still common cancers in adults. When detected early, treatment success rates soar, but many people delay screening because they aren’t sure when or how to get tested. A colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, allowing physicians to find and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure.
This post will take a look at the general guidelines for colorectal cancer screening and why it should matter to you. We’ll cover what to expect and what you need to do after your screening. UAB Medical West offers experienced gastroenterologists, state-of-the-art endoscopy suites, and patient-focused prep instructions to make your screening as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Matters
Colorectal cancer ranks among the top three cancers diagnosed in both men and women. Risk increases after age 45 and rises further after age 50, though younger cases are on the rise.
Family history of colon cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s, and lifestyle factors like high-fat diets, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and sedentary habits can also elevate risk.
Benefits of early detection
Screening catches colorectal cancer at its earliest stages, sometimes even before symptoms like bleeding or changes in bowel habits appear. Early-stage tumors are smaller and less likely to have spread, making them easier to remove and treat.
Colonoscopies can identify and remove precancerous polyps on the spot, interrupting the progression to cancer altogether. National studies show that regular screening reduces colorectal cancer mortality by up to 60%.
Beyond saving lives, early detection means less invasive treatments, shorter recovery times, and lower overall healthcare costs.
Overview of available tests
Several screening options exist, each with pros and cons:
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): A simple annual test that detects hidden blood in stool. It’s noninvasive but requires a follow-up colonoscopy if positive.
- Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): Similar to FOBT but more sensitive and specific, with annual testing recommended.
- Stool DNA Test: Combines FIT with DNA markers for polyps. Recommended every one to three years; positive results trigger colonoscopy.
- Colonoscopy: Performed every ten years for average-risk adults. Provides a full visual exam of the colon and allows polyp removal during the procedure.
- CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): A noninvasive imaging alternative every five years; requires full bowel prep and follow-up colonoscopy if abnormalities appear.
Work with your provider to choose the test that best fits your risk profile, comfort level, and schedule. Regular screening according to guidelines offers the strongest protection against colon cancer.
Recommended Screening Schedule
Average-Risk Adults
The American Cancer Society now recommends that adults at average risk talk to their doctor about colorectal cancer screening at age 45. If earlier guidelines (age 50) still apply under your insurance, talk with your provider about starting at 45 anyway, as incidence in younger adults is rising.
For those who choose a colonoscopy, the interval is every ten years if results are normal. Stool-based tests require annual to once-every-three-years testing, depending on the specific test used. CT colonography is recommended every five years.
High-Risk Groups and Modified Intervals
You may need to start screening earlier or undergo more frequent exams if you have any of the following:
- A first-degree relative (parent, sibling) with colorectal cancer or advanced polyps diagnosed before age 60: begin screening at age 40 or ten years younger than the earliest family diagnosis, then repeat every five years.
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease: begin colonoscopy eight years after diagnosis, then repeat every one to two years.
- Known genetic syndromes: Screening may start in your 20s with colonoscopies as often as every one to two years.
- A history of polyps on prior colonoscopy: follow recommended surveillance intervals (often every three to five years) based on polyp type and number.
What to Expect as Your Colonoscopy
Preparation Steps
Your provider will give you clear instructions for bowel prep, usually involving a clear-liquid diet for 24 hours and a prescribed laxative solution the evening before. Staying near a bathroom is essential. Eat only broths, clear juices, and gelatin without added colors. Do not eat solid foods or drink alcohol during prep. Continue taking essential medications with small sips of water unless your physician advises otherwise.
Procedure Day
Arrive at our state-of-the-art endoscopy suite with a companion who can drive you home. You’ll change into a gown, have vital signs checked, and meet your nurse and gastroenterologist. Sedation is used, but it’s typically a combination of a sedative and a pain reliever. It’s administered intravenously, so you remain comfortable and relaxed. The colonoscope, a flexible tube with a camera, is gently guided through your rectum and colon. The physician inspects the lining, removes any polyps, and takes biopsies if needed.
The entire exam usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Afterward, you rest in a recovery area until sedation wears off within about 30 to 60 minutes.
You may feel mild bloating or cramping initially, but you can return to normal activities the same day. Your doctor will discuss preliminary findings with you before you leave and provide a follow-up plan for results and next steps.
Alternatives and Follow-Up Options
If colonoscopy isn’t right for you, noninvasive tests like FIT or stool DNA can serve as alternatives. FIT is simple and done at home each year, while the stool DNA test combines blood detection with genetic markers every one to three years. CT colonography offers internal imaging every five years but still requires bowel prep.
If any of these tests return positive results, a follow-up colonoscopy is required. Your gastroenterologist will recommend the best next steps based on findings, risk factors, and personal preferences.
Trust UAB Medical West for Your Colon Cancer Screening
UAB Medical West provides expert colorectal cancer screening with board-certified gastroenterologists, modern endoscopy suites, and compassionate care. From flexible scheduling to clear prep instructions and post-procedure support, our team ensures a smooth experience. Serving Bessemer, Hoover, and greater west-central Alabama, we make colonoscopy and colorectal cancer prevention easy and effective.
Contact the Leading Cancer Screening Facilities in Alabama Today
Take control of your colon health and reduce your risk of colon cancer. Call UAB Medical West at 205-481-7384 or make an appointment online for your colonoscopy or to discuss screening alternatives with our specialists.