Colon Cancer Symptoms: Amazing Detection News

Finding colorectal cancer early can greatly improve treatment chances. We’ll look at how it’s detected, like through colonoscopy and fecal immunochemical test (FIT). We’ll see how these methods help lower death rates. How is it found? Learn about colon cancer symptoms and amazing detection news. Use powerful screening to find scary tumors at a vital stage.

Recent studies show colonoscopy can find and remove polyps before they turn cancerous. This can cut colorectal cancer deaths by up to 41% for those who stick to screening plans. Catching cancer early is key, as it leads to better treatment options.

We’ll dive into the various screening choices and their perks. This knowledge helps people take charge of their health.

Key Takeaways

• Colorectal cancer screening can detect cancer early, improving treatment outcomes.
• Colonoscopy is a highly effective method for detecting and removing precancerous polyps.
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is another common screening method for colorectal cancer.
• Regular screening can reduce colorectal cancer mortality by up to 41%.
• The American Cancer Society recommends starting regular screening at age 45.

Understanding Colon Cancer: An Overview

Colon cancer is a major health threat worldwide. It’s important to know about it and how to prevent it. This cancer affects the large intestine, which is part of our digestive system.

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer starts in the colon or rectum. It often begins as a polyp, a growth on the inner lining. Over time, this growth can turn into cancer. The exact cause is not known, but some factors increase the risk.

Prevalence and Impact

The American Cancer Society says colon cancer is common in the U.S. It’s a big health issue because of its high rates of occurrence and death. Knowing the risk factors and symptoms is key.

Year	Estimated New Cases	Estimated Deaths
2022	106,180 (colon cancer) + 43,050 (rectal cancer)	52,980
2023	Approximately 153,020	About 52,550

The Importance of Early Detection

Finding colon cancer early can greatly improve treatment success and survival chances. Screening tests can spot polyps or cancer early. It’s vital for both patients and doctors to understand this.

People at average risk should start screening at 45. Those with a family history or other risk factors might need to start earlier. The right screening test depends on several factors, including personal preference and medical history.

Recognizing Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon cancer symptoms can be subtle. It’s important to recognize them early for timely medical help. We’ll look at common signs, when they show up, and why relying only on symptoms isn’t enough.

Common Warning Signs

Colon cancer symptoms include abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and blood in the stool. These signs can mean different things, but if they keep happening or get worse, you should see a doctor.

Some common signs are:

• Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
• Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
• Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness

When Symptoms Typically Appear

Symptoms of colon cancer often start slowly. In the early stages, you might not notice anything, or symptoms could be mild. As the disease gets worse, symptoms get stronger and can really affect your life.

When symptoms show up can vary a lot. It depends on the tumor’s size and location, and your health.

Symptom	Early Stage	Late Stage
Abdominal Pain	Mild, intermittent	Severe, persistent
Bowel Habits	Minor changes	Significant changes, obstruction
Blood in Stool	Occult blood	Visible blood, melena

Why Symptoms Alone Are Not Reliable for Early Detection

Using symptoms alone to find colon cancer early doesn’t work well. Many cases don’t show symptoms in the early stages. Even when symptoms do appear, they can be similar to other conditions.

Screening tests are key to finding colon cancer early. We suggest starting screening at 45 for most people, or earlier if you have risk factors.

Knowing the symptoms of colon cancer and the need for screening is important. Together, we can catch it early and improve treatment results.

Colonoscopy: The Gold Standard for Detection

Colonoscopy is the top choice for colon cancer screening. It lets doctors see inside the colon for polyps, cancer, and other issues.

How Colonoscopy Works

A colonoscopy uses a flexible tube with a camera and light. It’s called a colonoscope. The procedure is done under sedation to make it less painful.

Key aspects of the procedure include:

• Insertion of the colonoscope through the rectum
• Inflation of the colon with air to improve visibility
• Visual examination of the colon lining for abnormalities
• Removal of polyps or collection of tissue samples if necessary

Preparation and Procedure

To prepare for a colonoscopy, you’ll need to change your diet and clean your bowel. The whole procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Effective preparation is key for a good colonoscopy. You’ll be told to eat only clear liquids the day before. You’ll also use bowel prep medications to clean your colon.

Benefits and Limitations

Colonoscopy has many benefits, like finding and removing polyps before they turn into cancer. But, it’s not perfect. It can be uncomfortable and there are risks of complications.

The benefits of colonoscopy include:

• High sensitivity for detecting colon cancer and polyps
• Ability to remove polyps during the procedure
• Potential to reduce colon cancer mortality

Effectiveness in Reducing Mortality

Recent studies show colonoscopy can cut CRC mortality by up to 41%. This is for those who stick to screening schedules.

Regular colonoscopy screenings can greatly improve survival rates for colon cancer. By finding cancer early or preventing it, colonoscopy is vital in lowering mortality rates.

Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): Annual Screening Option

Colon cancer screening is now easier with the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). This non-invasive test is done once a year. It looks for hidden blood in the stool, which could mean colon cancer.

How FIT Works

The FIT test finds hemoglobin in the stool. This shows if there’s bleeding in the gut. It uses special antibodies to find human hemoglobin, making it good at spotting colon cancer.

Remember, FIT is not a test to diagnose but to screen. If it finds something, you’ll need a colonoscopy to check further.

Advantages of FIT Testing

FIT testing is easy and doesn’t hurt. You just need to give a stool sample. It’s also non-invasive and doesn’t need you to change your diet. This makes it more convenient than other tests.

“The simplicity and non-invasive nature of FIT make it an attractive option for colon cancer screening, potentially increasing adherence rates among those who are hesitant about more invasive procedures.”

Adherence Rates and Effectiveness

Studies show FIT makes people more likely to get screened for colon cancer. It’s simple and doesn’t hurt. This helps catch cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.

Recent research found that “Annual FIT screening can lead to a significant reduction in colon cancer mortality, highlighting its value as a screening tool.”

When to Follow Up with Colonoscopy

If FIT finds blood, you need a colonoscopy to find out why. This is important because FIT can’t say where the bleeding is coming from. Colonoscopy can find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.

It’s very important to get a colonoscopy right after a positive FIT result to catch and treat colon cancer early.

Other Stool-Based Screening Tests

There are many stool-based tests for colon cancer, not just the FIT test. These tests help find colon cancer in different ways. They can be picked based on what you prefer and your risk level.

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

The Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) looks for hidden blood in your stool. This blood can be an early sign of colon cancer. FOBT is done at home by collecting stool samples on special cards. These cards are then sent to a lab for testing.

FOBT has been around for a long time. It’s simple and doesn’t hurt. But, it’s not as accurate as newer tests. This can lead to false positives that need more testing.

Stool DNA Tests (Cologuard)

Stool DNA tests, like Cologuard, are a newer way to screen for colon cancer. They look for DNA changes in your stool that are linked to colon cancer. They also check for hidden blood.

Cologuard is a well-known stool DNA test approved by the FDA. It finds both blood and DNA changes in your stool. This makes it better at finding colon cancer and other serious growths than FOBT.

Comparing Sensitivity and Specificity

When we talk about stool-based tests, we look at sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity is how well a test finds people with the disease. Specificity is how well it finds people without the disease. Stool DNA tests like Cologuard are more sensitive than FOBT for finding colon cancer. But, they might have lower specificity, which can lead to more false positives.

FOBT is less sensitive but is useful for some people. It’s good for those who don’t want or can’t do more invasive tests. Choosing a test depends on your risk, what you prefer, and talking to your doctor.

Blood-Based Detection Methods

The search for non-invasive ways to find colon cancer has led to blood tests. These tests look for biomarkers linked to colon cancer. They aim to catch the disease early, when it’s easier to treat.

mSEPT9 Blood Tests

mSEPT9 blood tests check for methylated SEPT9 DNA in the blood. This DNA is a sign of colon cancer. Research shows these tests can spot colon cancer fairly well.

Key Features of mSEPT9 Blood Tests:

• Non-invasive, requiring only a blood sample
• Potential for detecting colon cancer at various stages
• May be used as a screening tool for individuals at average risk

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Testing

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein found in colon cancer patients’ blood. It’s not used alone for screening because it’s not very sensitive or specific. But, CEA testing is useful for watching for cancer return or spread in those who’ve had colon cancer before.

Test	Sensitivity	Specificity	Primary Use
mSEPT9 Blood Test	Moderate to High	High	Screening
CEA Blood Test	Low to Moderate	Moderate	Monitoring

Emerging Blood Biomarkers

Scientists are working hard to find new blood biomarkers for colon cancer. These new biomarkers might be more accurate and help find cancer sooner. This could lead to better treatment and outcomes for patients.

As research keeps going, we might see better blood tests for colon cancer. These new tools could help find cancer early and save lives. They could be a big step forward in fighting colon cancer.

Imaging Technologies for Colon Cancer Detection

Imaging technologies are key in finding colon cancer. They offer effective and less invasive options. These tools help in early detection and management of colon cancer.

Computed Tomographic Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)

Computed Tomographic Colonography (CTC), or virtual colonoscopy, uses CT scans to see the colon and rectum clearly. It’s less invasive than traditional colonoscopy and doesn’t need sedation. This makes it a good choice for some patients.

Advantages: CTC is great for those who can’t have a traditional colonoscopy. It lets doctors see parts of the colon that are hard to reach with a regular colonoscope.

Limitations: CTC is good for finding big polyps and lesions but not as good for small ones. If it finds polyps, a follow-up colonoscopy is needed to remove them.

Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a tiny camera capsule. It takes pictures of the inside of the GI tract as it moves. It’s useful for seeing the small intestine, which regular endoscopy can’t reach.

Benefits: It’s non-invasive and good for patients who can’t or don’t want traditional endoscopy. It shows the mucosal surface and can find lesions or bleeding sources.

Challenges: The capsule can’t take tissue samples or remove polyps. It’s mainly for the small intestine, not the colon. But, new capsules are being made for colon exams.

Barium Enema X-rays

Barium enema X-rays use a contrast material to see the colon on X-ray images. Though older, it’s sometimes used today.

Utility: It can show the colon’s structure and find big problems like large polyps or tumors.

Limitations: It’s not as good at finding small polyps as colonoscopy or CTC. It also uses radiation.

Imaging Technology	Description	Advantages	Limitations
Computed Tomographic Colonography (CTC)	Uses CT scans to produce images of the colon and rectum.	Less invasive, no sedation required, visualizes beyond obstructed areas.	Lower sensitivity for small polyps, may require follow-up colonoscopy.
Capsule Endoscopy	Involves swallowing a capsule with a camera to image the GI tract.	Non-invasive, visualizes small intestine, detects lesions or bleeding.	No tissue sampling, primary design is for small intestine.
Barium Enema X-rays	Fills colon with barium sulfate to visualize on X-ray.	Visualizes colon structure, detects large abnormalities.	Less sensitive for small polyps, involves radiation.

“The development of imaging technologies has significantly enhanced our ability to detect colon cancer at an early stage, improving patient outcomes.”

— Expert in Gastroenterology

Screening Guidelines and Recommendations

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) sets guidelines for colon cancer screening. These guidelines help doctors and patients make smart choices about early detection.

Current NCCN Guidelines

The NCCN updates its guidelines every year. They cover the best tests for colon cancer screening. These tests include colonoscopy, fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), and more. They are chosen based on the person’s risk and what they prefer.

Age-Based Recommendations

Screening advice changes with age and risk. For those at average risk, screening starts at 45. But, if you have a family history or other risks, you might start earlier.

Key Age-Based Recommendations:

• Average risk: Start screening at age 45.
• High risk: May need to start screening before age 45.

High-Risk Group Considerations

People with a family history of colon cancer or certain genetic syndromes are at high risk. They might need more frequent or special screenings.

Frequency of Screening

How often you need screening depends on the test and your risk. For example, if you’re at average risk, colonoscopy is every 10 years. But, FIT might be done every year.

Screening Frequency Guidelines:

Screening Test	Average Risk Frequency	High Risk Frequency
Colonoscopy	Every 10 years	More frequently based on findings
FIT	Annually	Annually or as recommended

Following these guidelines is key for catching colon cancer early. By sticking to these recommendations, you can lower your risk of getting colon cancer. Or, if you do get it, you might have a better chance of successful treatment.

Risk Factors That Influence Detection Strategies

Knowing the risk factors for colon cancer is key to finding it early. Colon cancer is caused by genetics, environment, and lifestyle. By knowing these risks, we can tailor screenings to fit each person better.

Family History and Genetic Factors

Family history is a big risk factor for colon cancer. If you have a first-degree relative with colon cancer, you’re at higher risk. Certain genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) also raise the risk. Genetic tests can spot these syndromes, leading to early and aggressive screenings.

“Family history is a critical factor in assessing colon cancer risk. Individuals with a family history of colon cancer should discuss their risk with their healthcare provider to determine the best screening strategy.”

An Gastroenterologist

Personal Medical History

Your medical history also affects your risk. If you’ve had colon polyps, IBD, or colon cancer before, you’re at higher risk. Conditions like diabetes and obesity also increase your risk.

Medical Condition	Risk Level
History of Colon Polyps	High
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)	High
Previous Colon Cancer	High
Diabetes	Moderate
Obesity	Moderate

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Lifestyle and environment also play a part. Eating a lot of red and processed meats, not exercising, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol increase your risk. On the other hand, eating fruits, veggies, and whole grains, and staying active can lower your risk.

Talking to your doctor about your history is important. This way, you can get the right screening schedule. Understanding these factors helps us detect colon cancer better.

The Critical Role of Adherence to Screening

Adhering to colon cancer screening is key to lowering death rates and better health. Regular checks can greatly cut down the risk of dying from colon cancer. This is because they allow for early detection and treatment.

Impact of Screening Adherence on Mortality Rates

Research shows that sticking to screening guidelines can significantly lower death rates. People who follow screening advice are less likely to die from colon cancer than those who don’t.

Table: Impact of Screening Adherence on Colon Cancer Mortality Rates

Screening Adherence	Mortality Rate Reduction
High Adherence	30-40%
Moderate Adherence	15-30%
Low Adherence	<15%

Barriers to Screening Compliance

Despite the benefits, many obstacles prevent people from getting screened. These include:

• Lack of awareness about screening guidelines
• Fear of the screening process
• Cost and insurance coverage concerns
• Accessibility issues

It’s important to tackle these barriers to boost screening rates.

Strategies to Improve Adherence

To get more people screened, we can try a few things:

1. Educate the public on the value of screening
2. Make screening easier to get through community programs
3. Lower costs and improve insurance for screening
4. Help patients talk to their doctors about screening

By using these methods, we can get more people screened. This will help lower death rates from colon cancer.

Diagnostic Procedures Following Positive Screening

If a screening test shows a possible issue, more steps are needed for a clear colon cancer diagnosis. A positive screening doesn’t mean cancer is there, but it means more tests are needed.

Follow-Up Protocol for Positive Tests

After a positive screening, a follow-up plan starts to confirm the diagnosis. This plan includes tests and exams to see if colon cancer is there and how far it has spread.

The first step is usually a colonoscopy. This lets doctors see the colon closely. A flexible tube with a camera is used to check for polyps or cancer.

• A colonoscopy can also remove polyps, making it both a diagnostic and a treatment tool.
• If something looks suspicious, a biopsy might be done to check the tissue more closely.

Biopsy and Pathology

A biopsy takes tissue from a suspicious area for a microscope check. This is the best way to confirm colon cancer.

The tissue sample goes to a lab for pathologists to examine. They look for cancer cells and study the tumor’s characteristics.

Biopsy Result	Implication
Benign	No cancer cells found; the growth is non-cancerous.
Malignant	Cancer cells are present, indicating colon cancer.
Indeterminate	The sample is unclear, and further testing may be needed.

Staging Process

After diagnosing colon cancer, the next step is to find out how far it has spread. This is called the staging process. Staging helps choose the best treatment and predict how well the patient will do.

Imaging tests like CT scans, MRI, or PET scans are used to see how far the cancer has spread. The TNM system is often used to stage cancer. It looks at the tumor size (T), lymph node involvement (N), and if the cancer has spread (M).

1. Stage I: Cancer is limited to the colon wall.
2. Stage II: Cancer has grown through the colon wall but has not reached lymph nodes.
3. Stage III: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
4. Stage IV: Cancer has metastasized to distant parts of the body.

Knowing the stage of colon cancer is key for choosing the right treatment and talking about prognosis with doctors.

Early Detection Success Rates and Survival Statistics

Finding colon cancer early is key to better survival chances and treatment plans. Recent studies show early detection boosts survival rates and treatment success. This highlights the vital role of screening and early action in fighting the disease.

Colon Cancer Survival Rates by Stage

Survival rates for colon cancer change a lot based on when it’s found. Early detection leads to a much higher five-year survival rate than finding it later. A study found that survival is about 90% when caught early, but only 14% when it’s too late.

“Early detection is key to improving survival rates,” as noted by recent medical research.

Early detection leads to better outcomes. The survival rate numbers show how important it is to get screened on time.

Impact of Early Detection on Treatment Options

Early detection not only raises survival chances but also opens up more treatment options. When cancer is caught early, less invasive treatments can be used, keeping more of the patient’s quality of life. Treatment plans can be made to fit the cancer’s stage and type, leading to better disease management.

Early detection means more treatment choices, from surgery to targeted therapies. This improves patient results.

Quality of Life Considerations

Early detection greatly affects quality of life. Patients found early often have less severe symptoms and undergo less harsh treatments. This leads to a better life quality. Early detection also means less need for big surgeries or intense therapies needed at later stages.

By catching colon cancer early, we not only boost survival rates but also improve life quality. Patients can stay healthier and better for longer.

Emerging Technologies in Colon Cancer Detection

The field of colon cancer detection is changing fast with new technologies. These new tools aim to make screenings better, get diagnoses right, and tailor treatments.

Artificial Intelligence Applications

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now used in colon cancer detection, mainly for medical image and test data analysis. AI can spot patterns that doctors might miss. This could lead to finding more precancerous polyps and early colon cancer.

Benefits of AI in Colon Cancer Detection:

• It makes finding polyps and lesions more accurate
• It speeds up data analysis
• It might suggest screenings based on your risk

Molecular Imaging Techniques

Molecular imaging is being looked at for better colon cancer detection. It uses special probes to highlight cancer markers.

Advantages of Molecular Imaging:

• It might find cancer changes early
• It can be more specific in finding cancer
• It could track how well treatments work

Molecular Imaging Technique	Description	Potential Benefit
PET/CT	Combines positron emission tomography with computed tomography	Enhanced detection of metabolically active cancer cells
Targeted Fluorescence Imaging	Uses fluorescent probes to target specific cancer markers	Improved visualization of tumor margins and metastases

Liquid Biopsy Advancements

Liquid biopsies analyze blood or fluids for cancer DNA. They’re a new way to find cancer early and track how it changes. These tests are easy and might help catch cancer sooner.

Key Aspects of Liquid Biopsy:

• They’re non-invasive or almost so
• They can find cancer-specific genetic mutations
• They can watch how the disease changes over time

As research goes on, these new technologies will likely change how we find and treat colon cancer. By using AI, molecular imaging, and liquid biopsies, we can help patients more and fight colon cancer better.

Special Considerations for High-Risk Populations

Some groups face a higher risk of colon cancer. This means they need special screening methods. People with inflammatory bowel disease or hereditary syndromes need close monitoring. This helps catch colon cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.

Screening for Those with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) raises the risk of colon cancer. Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease cause chronic inflammation. This can lead to cancer.

We suggest regular colonoscopies for those with IBD. This should start 8-10 years after diagnosis.

Key Considerations for IBD Screening:

• How often to have colonoscopies depends on the disease’s severity and how long you’ve had it.
• Using advanced techniques like chromoendoscopy can help find cancer early.
• Working with a gastroenterologist is important to customize your screening plan.

Hereditary Syndromes and Detection Strategies

Hereditary syndromes like Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Lynch Syndrome increase colon cancer risk. Genetic tests can spot these syndromes early. This allows for quick action.

Syndrome	Genetic Basis	Screening Recommendations
FAP	APC gene mutation	Annual sigmoidoscopy starting at age 10-12; Consider prophylactic colectomy.
Lynch Syndrome	MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 mutations	Biennial colonoscopy starting at age 20-25 or 2-5 years before the earliest colon cancer diagnosis in the family.

Post-Cancer Surveillance

After treating colon cancer, it’s important to watch for any signs of it coming back. A follow-up plan is key. This includes regular check-ups, CEA tests, and imaging as needed.

Surveillance Guidelines:

1. Check-ups every 3-6 months for the first 3 years, then once a year.
2. CEA tests every 3-6 months for the first 3 years.
3. Colonoscopy 1 year after surgery, then based on what’s found.
4. CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis every year for 3-5 years.

By focusing on the needs of high-risk groups, we can catch colon cancer early. This leads to better treatment outcomes.

Addressing Common Concerns About Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer screening is key for early detection and prevention. Yet, many people are held back by worries about pain, cost, and privacy. These concerns can make it hard for people to get screened.

Pain and Discomfort Misconceptions

Many worry about feeling pain or discomfort during screening. But, thanks to new medical tech, this is much less of an issue. Studies show most patients feel little to no pain during procedures like colonoscopy.

Using sedation and proper prep can make things even better. This makes the screening more comfortable for patients. For more info, check out this research.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Cost is another big worry for many. But, the good news is that many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover screenings like colonoscopy. This is thanks to the Affordable Care Act.

Screening Method	Average Cost	Insurance Coverage
Colonoscopy	$1,000 – $2,000	Covered by most plans, including Medicare
FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test)	$20 – $50	Covered by most plans
Stool DNA Tests (Cologuard)	$500 – $600	Covered by some plans

Privacy and Dignity Considerations

Privacy and dignity are also big concerns. Healthcare providers make sure screenings are done with respect and privacy. For example, during a colonoscopy, patients are sedated and closely watched to keep them comfortable and private.

By tackling these common worries, we can help more people get screened. This can lead to fewer cases of colon cancer.

Conclusion: The Future of Colon Cancer Detection

Colon cancer detection is key for effective treatment and better survival rates. The future looks bright with new technologies and screening methods. These advancements aim to improve detection accuracy and patient outcomes.

New research shows promising changes in colon cancer detection. This includes artificial intelligence, molecular imaging, and liquid biopsy advancements. These innovations could change colon cancer screening, making it more accessible and effective.

We think ongoing research and innovation will lead to better screening outcomes and treatment choices. By using new technologies and methods, we can lower colon cancer death rates. This will also improve patients’ quality of life.

The future of colon cancer detection is full of hope. We are dedicated to providing top-notch healthcare for international patients. As new technologies and methods emerge, we will keep you updated. This will help you make informed decisions.

FAQ

References

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Effectiveness of Colorectal Cancer Screening on Mortality. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10093633/

JAMA Network Open. Cost-Effectiveness of Noninvasive Colorectal Cancer Screening in Community Clinics. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2829267

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Comparing the Cost-Effectiveness of Innovative Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7850547/

American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/tests.htm