This is a direct exam of the colon and rectum, and polyps are removed if present. If you have an abnormal result from other colon cancer screenings, you'll need a colonoscopy.

Advantages

• Can usually view entire colon and rectum
• Can biopsy and remove polyps
• Lifespan covers colonoscopies once every 5 years

Disadvantages

• Higher risk than other tests
• Need to have an empty bowel (usually by drinking and/or taking laxatives)

A slender tube is inserted through the rectum into the colon. This gives the doctor a visual exam of the rectum and lower part of the colon.

Advantages

• Fairly quick
• Sedation (medication to help you relax and block pain) usually not used
• Does not require a specialist
• Should be done every 5 years

Disadvantages

• Doesn’t view upper part of colon
• Can’t see or remove all polyps
• Need to have an empty bowel (usually by drinking and/or taking laxatives)
• Colonoscopy needed if test results are abnormal

This screening gives a detailed 2-D or 3-D view of the colon and rectum.

Advantages

• Fairly quick and safe
• Can usually view entire colon and rectum
• No sedation needed
• Should be done every 5 years

Disadvantages

• Still fairly new test
• Can’t remove polyps during test
• Need to have an empty bowel
• Colonoscopy needed if test results are abnormal

This test can detect blood in stool caused by tumors or polyps. Your healthcare provider gives you a kit to take home.

Advantages

• No direct risk to the colon/rectum
• Bowel doesn’t need to be empty (no laxatives needed)
• Sampling done at home

Disadvantages

• May miss some polyps/cancers
• Done every year
• Colonoscopy needed if test results are abnormal

This test looks for certain DNA changes from cancer or polyp cells. Healthcare provider has kit sent to patient.

Advantages

• No direct risk to the colon/rectum
• Bowel doesn’t need to be empty
• Sampling done at home

Disadvantages

• May miss some polyps/cancers
• Colonoscopy needed if test results are abnormal