Colorectal Cancer Screening: When to Go and What to Know

Category: Blog
Posted On: Mar 9, 2022

A cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum if often referred to as colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second-most common cause of cancer death in Oklahoma but regular screenings could save your life.

Colorectal cancer usually starts from a polyp. Screening tests find polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.

If you’re 45 or older, or have a family history of cancer, speak to your doctor about which screening is right for you. Insurance now covers one screening test free of charge with no deductible, so check with your insurance company – there may be no out-of-pocket cost for you at all to schedule your lifesaving test. For average-risk individuals with no symptoms, colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45. If you are experiencing symptoms, speak to your doctor immediately.

Type of Screening	Pros	Cons
Stool-Based Tests
Guaiac-Based Fecal Occult Blood Test/Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)	No bowel preparation Sampling done at home	May miss some polyps/cancers Colonoscopy needed if abnormal *Done every year
Multi-Targeted Stool DNA Test (MT –sDNA)	No direct risk to the colon or rectum No bowel preparation Sampling done at home	May miss some polpys/cancers Colonoscopy needed if abnormal *Done every 3 years
Visual Examination
Colonoscopy Exam of colon and rectum. Polyps removed if present. Required for abnormal results for other tests.	Can usually view entire colon and rectum Can biopsy and remove polyps Only screening test that prevents cancer *Done every 10 years	Potentially expensive Higher risk test than other options Full bowel preparation needed
CT Colonography Detailed, cross-sectional, 2D or 3D views of the colon and rectum with an x-ray machine.	Fairly quick and safe Can usually view entire colon and rectum No sedation needed *Done every 5 years	Still considered a new testing option Can’t remove polyps during test Full bowel preparation needed Colonoscopy needed if abnormal

Schedule your colorectal cancer screening today and learn more about OU Health services.

OU Health has multiple locations, to make it easy for you:

OU Health – Gastroenterology Clinic
825 NE 10th St., Ste. 4E
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
(405) 271-3445

OU Health Physicians Fountain Lake – Multispecialty Clinic
14101 N Eastern Ave., Ste. C
Edmond, OK 73013
(405) 271-9551

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center
800 NE 10th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
(405) 271-1112