Colon Cancer Screening

During the early stages of colon cancer, many people don’t experience any symptoms. And, a colonoscopy is the best way to prevent colon cancer or catch it when it’s most curable. That’s why it’s so important to get your screening when you turn 45, or earlier if your doctor says so.

Beaumont recommends everyone at average risk for colon cancer get a colonoscopy at age 45. The good news is that most polyps grow slowly, so after a polyp free screening, most people won’t need another one for five to 10 years.

Some people may need a colonoscopy or other non-invasive screening even earlier:

• For those with a parent or sibling who has had colon cancer, schedule yours 10 years before their age when diagnosed. So, if your father was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 53, you need your first screening at 43.
• If you have inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis talk to your doctor to see if you need to begin screenings sooner.

There are typically few or no symptoms of early stage colon cancer. The only way to know is through regular screenings.

Most colon cancer begins as harmless polyps or growths in your colon. The goal is to find the polyps and remove them before they become cancerous. Doctors can remove these polyps during a colonoscopy.

While colonoscopy is still considered the gold standard for preventing and detecting colon cancer, there are other non-invasive screenings available. Talk to your doctor about what test is right for you.

• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year: This test looks for blood in your stool. You do this test at home and send stool samples for analysis.
• Fecal DNA and occult blood test every 3 years (COLOGUARD): This test detects abnormal DNA and blood in your stool. This test also can be done at home.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy (FSIG): The doctor looks for polyps or cancer in the rectum and lower third of the colon.
• Both annual FOBT and FSIG every five years
• Double-contrast barium enema every five years

• WDIV Local 4 explains why you shouldn’t be afraid to get a colonoscopy
• Fox 2 Detroit discusses the importance of colonoscopies with Dr. Harry Wasvary
• Fox 2 Detroit takes you behind the scenes of a colonoscopy with Beaumont Health

You may also speak with a representative for a referral by phone.^† However, due to an increase in call volume, extended wait times should be expected. For faster service, we recommend you find a Beaumont doctor online. Thank you in advance for your patience.

^† Beaumont call center open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.