Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer saves lives. But early stages of the disease often don’t cause any symptoms, so a screening is the only way to identify it. Learn about the screening options available at AnMed.

Types of Screenings 

Your primary care doctor will help you determine which tests you may need based on your health history, family history, age and other factors. 

Stool Tests

  • Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and fecal occult blood test (FOBT) – Check a stool sample for blood 
  • Multi-targeted stool DNA test – Checks a stool sample for blood and genetic mutations linked to cancer 

Imaging Exams

  • Barium enema – Fills the colon (large intestine) with a liquid that shows up on an X-ray camera so a doctor can look for unusual tissue 
  • CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) – Uses computed tomography (CT) imaging to look at the bowels
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy – Inserts a thin tube with a light and camera into only the lower part of your colon to look for polyps (lumps) that could be cancerous 
  • Colonoscopy – Inserts a thin tube with a light and camera into the entire colon to look for polyps that could be cancerous

Make an Appointment

To schedule a colonoscopy or another colon cancer screening procedure, call the location that’s most convenient for you

Ask your doctor for a referral before you call.

Your Test Results   

Most screenings don’t show any signs of cancer. But if yours shows something unusual, your doctor may order additional tests to learn more. If you receive a diagnosis of cancer, lean on us for support and excellent treatment throughout your journey.