Your screening options
Several screening tests can be used to find polyps or colorectal cancer. The most common tests are stool tests and colonoscopy. Stool tests are simple at-home tests (i.e. fecal occult blood test (FOBT), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), or a FIT-DNA test) that look for hidden blood in your stool. If blood is found, you may need a second test, called a colonoscopy. You also can get a colonoscopy first, without completing a stool test. During a colonoscopy, a doctor inserts a thin, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum to check for polyps or cancer in your colon. Less common tests include sigmoidoscopy and CT colonography (also known as virtual colonoscopy).
Most insurance plans cover all the cost of screening with no out-of-pocket costs such as co-pays or deductibles. Even without insurance, there are low cost, reliable options, including ones you can do at home.
If you haven’t been screened, talk to your doctor about the screening option that is right for you.
Get screened… it could save your life.
View recommend screening options.
Your Stories
I put off getting screened for colorectal cancer until I was about 54 years old. I finally took that step when I learned that it’s the 2nd leading cancer killer, and that it’s highly preventable—So to me it was a ‘no brainer’. I’m sure thankful that I took care of my health and got screened; the peace of mind is invaluable!
Dan Van Slyke – Roseburg
read more...