Colon Cancer Screening
What Is It?
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer. Screening detects precancerous polyps or early-stage cancer when it is most treatable. USPSTF recommends screening starting at age 45 for average-risk adults.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Options: colonoscopy every 10 years (gold standard); CT colonography every 5 years; stool-based tests (FIT annually, FIT-DNA every 1-3 years); flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years. Positive non-colonoscopy test requires colonoscopy.
How Is It Treated?
Polypectomy during colonoscopy removes precancerous lesions. Surveillance colonoscopy based on polyp type and number. GI or colorectal surgery referral for cancer.
Tests and Imaging Typically Needed
FIT (fecal immunochemical test), FIT-DNA (Cologuard), CT colonography, or colonoscopy based on patient preference and risk.
Approximate Self-Pay Costs
Office visit: $95-$150. FIT test: $20-$40. Cologuard: $600-$700. Colonoscopy: $1,000-$3,000 (often covered by insurance as preventive).