Skip to main content
Mayo Clinic Health System
  • Patient Online Services
  • Pay Bill Online
  • Request an Appointment
    • Services
    • Providers
    • Locations

      Minnesota

      • Adams
      • Albert Lea
      • Austin
      • Belle Plaine
      • Blooming Prairie
      • Butterfield
      • Caledonia
      • Cannon Falls
      • Fairmont
      • Faribault
      • Janesville
      • Kenyon
      • Lake City
      • Le Sueur
      • Mankato
      • Montgomery
      • New Prague
      • New Richland
      • Northfield
      • Owatonna
      • Plainview
      • Red Wing
      • Sherburn
      • St. James
      • St. Peter
      • Waseca
      • Waterville
      • Wells
      • Zumbrota

      Wisconsin

      • Arcadia
      • Barron
      • Bloomer
      • Chetek
      • Chippewa Falls
      • Eau Claire
      • Ellsworth
      • Glenwood City
      • Holmen
      • La Crosse
      • Menomonie
      • Mondovi
      • Onalaska
      • Osseo
      • Prairie du Chien
      • Rice Lake
      • Sparta
      • Tomah

      Iowa

      • Decorah
      • Lake Mills

      View map
    • Classes/Events
    • Blog
    • Wellness
    • Referrals
    • COVID-19
    • Influenza
    Posted By
    Daisy Batista, M.D.

    Daisy Batista, M.D.

    Gastroenterology & Hepatology (Digestive Care)

    Recent Posts

    • Sitting and writing in notebook
      Speaking of Health
      Living with Crohn's disease or colitis
      January 24, 2023
    • Sitting holding arms around stomach
      Speaking of Health
      What’s the difference between inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome?
      July 06, 2022
    • Person with short, curly hair wearing denim shirt looking to right
      Speaking of Health
      Trust your gut: What you need to know about digestive health
      August 26, 2021
    Featured Topics
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cancer
    • Children's Health (Pediatrics)
    • COVID-19
    • COVID-19 Vaccine
    • Exercise and Fitness
    • Heart Health
    • Men's Health
    • Neurosurgery
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Orthopedic Health
    • Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery
    • Women's Health
    Join our email newsletter
    Speaking of Health
    Wednesday, March 25, 2020

    Understanding your colon cancer screening options

    Topics in this Post
    • Gastrointestinal Health
    • Colorectal Health
    45 or older? Talk with your doctor about colon cancer screening.

    Health care providers recommend certain screening tests for healthy people to look for signs of colon cancer or precancerous colon polyps. Finding colon cancer at its earliest stage provides the greatest chance for a cure. Screening has been shown to reduce your risk of dying of colon cancer. For people with average risk, screening begins around age 45. However, people with an increased risk should be screened sooner.

    You have options for which colon cancer screening test is best for your individual needs. Each has benefits and drawbacks. It's important that you talk with your health care provider about which is best for you.

    Let's review each option.

    Colonoscopy

    During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope is interested into your rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon and rectum. During a colonoscopy, the doctor also can collect tissue samples and remove polyps through the scope. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening, and there are few risks associated with the procedure. When sedation is used, patients have little or no recollection of the exam.

    Watch a video on how a colonoscopy is performed:

    Colonoscopies have a poor reputation for having an uncomfortable preparation phase. However, several options can make this process tolerable. Be sure to talk with your provider about which options are best for you and your situation. Learn more about what to expect before, during and after a colonoscopy.

    Cologuard DNA stool test

    One newer method of detection is a stool DNA test called Cologuard. This test offers people 50 and older who are at average risk for colorectal cancer an easy-to-use screening test that they can complete in the privacy of their own home. A sample of your stool will be taken to look for blood or DNA changes in cells that suggest the presence of colorectal cancer or precancerous conditions.

    This test is safe and poses no risk. However, it is less sensitive than colonoscopy at finding precancerous polyps. One or 2 of every 20 people who undergo stool DNA testing will have a positive result, but no cancer or polyps will be found during a follow-up colonoscopy. Read FAQ about the stool DNA test.

    Watch a video about DNA stool testing:

    Learn the basics of colorectal cancer and 5 things you can do to keep your colon healthy.

    Daisy Batista, M.D., is gastroenterologist in La Crosse, Wisconsin.


    For the safety of our patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was either recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in a non-patient care area where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.
    Topics in this Post
    • Gastrointestinal Health
    • Colorectal Health

    Related Posts

    David W Farrar My colonoscopy: Gastroenterologist gets own medicine
    Hands holding stomach for colon pain 5 things you can do to keep your colon healthy
    Couple sitting and smiling Colorectal cancer Q&A

    Stay Connected

    • Contact Us
    • Notice of Nondiscrimination
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • For Patients & Visitors
    • Financial Assistance
    • Community Resources
    • Mayo Clinic Connect
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Press Room
    • Mayo Clinic
    • Home
    © 2018 - 2023 Mayo Clinic Health System