Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Inspira’s Approach to Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal Cancer is known as "The Silent Killer," because it can develop and grow without symptoms in most cases until it is in its advanced stages. Therefore, you shouldn’t wait for symptoms before seeking screening.

Colorectal cancer screenings can be conducted through a colonoscopy or stool-based test. Colonoscopies are considered the gold standard of colorectal cancer screening and should be chosen whenever possible. 

The American Cancer Society recommends men and women follow one of the following examination schedules after they turn 45 years old: 

Stool-Based Tests

• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year 
• Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) every year 
• Stool DNA test every three years 

Visual (Structural) Exams 

• Colonoscopy every 10 years 
• CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every five years 
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years 

Candidates for Early Screening

Individuals with any of the following colorectal cancer risk factors should begin screening procedures at an earlier age and/or be screened more often. If you have any of the following risk factors, talk with your doctor.

• Strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps in a first-degree relative, especially in a parent or sibling before the age of 45 or in two first-degree relatives of any age 
• Family with hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer 
• Personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps 
• Personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) 
• Personal history of radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer 

Our High-Risk Cancer Program 

Inspira is proud to offer a high risk cancer program for anyone at high risk for hereditary colorectal cancer. This may include free screenings, surveillance programs or genetic testing.