Colon Cancer Screening Options: What's Right For You?

• Colonoscopy
• FIT-DNA (Cologuard©)
• Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

Screening Options	Colonoscopy UH Recommends	FIT-DNA (Cologuard©)	Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
Features
Identifies colon cancer?	Most effective	Tests stool for DNA and traces of blood associated with polyps and colon cancer.	Tests stool for blood and certain cancer markers.
Prevents colon cancer?	Yes, by removing polyps before they can turn into cancer.	No	No
Prep required	Fasting and bowel cleanse with laxatives.	Some dietary restrictions	No restrictions
Sedation used	Yes, light sedation	No	No
Possibility of false positives?	No	Yes*	Yes*
Location test performed	Hospital or surgery/endoscopy center	Test kit mailed to your home. Mail back when completed.	Pick up test at UH laboratory location. Mail back when completed.
Insurance coverage	All major insurances	Most major insurances*	All major insurances*
Risks	Extremely safe. Complications are rare, but can occur with polyp removal and anesthesia usage.	No	No
Appropriate for	40+ for people with a first degree relative who has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer 45+ for people at average risk	45+ for people at average risk	45+ for people at average risk
Time between tests	10 years with normal results. More frequently if high risk or polyps are found.	3 years with normal results	Annually

*If test results are positive, a diagnostic colonoscopy will be required to confirm or rule out cancer. This may or may not be covered by insurance and result in additional out-of-pocket expenses.