Colorectal Cancer Screening

Why choose Henry Ford for colorectal screening?

Henry Ford has one of the oldest and most respected colorectal cancer programs in Michigan. People in Detroit and throughout Michigan turn to us for colorectal screening because we offer:

• Convenient access: It’s easy to request a colorectal cancer screening appointment. We help you find the screening location that’s most convenient for you. And our open-access colonoscopy program means you may get a test without first seeing a gastroenterologist.
• Experienced team: The board-certified gastroenterologists on our colonoscopy team have extensive experience performing and interpreting colorectal cancer screening tests. They can spot and remove abnormal growths early, which may prevent colorectal cancer.
• Continuum of care: If we find cancer during screening, we guide you through the next steps. We offer all the diagnostic procedures, treatments and support services you need.

What is colorectal cancer screening?

Cancer screenings are tests you have regularly to catch cancer early. Screening looks for cancer before symptoms appear. Diagnostic tests check you after symptoms appear or evaluate problems we detected during screening. Colorectal cancer screening checks for signs of cancer in your colon, rectum or anus.

Screening tests look for different signs, such as:

• Hidden blood in your stool
• Abnormal sections of DNA in your cells
• Clusters of abnormal cells called polyps

Polyps are the most common sign of colon cancer, rectal cancer and anal cancer. Polyps can be harmless (benign), precancerous (may turn into cancer) or cancerous. We can often remove polyps during a colonoscopy, the most common colorectal cancer screening test. We test the polyps to find out if they’re cancerous.

Colorectal screening guidelines

Our cancer experts recommend colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45 and continuing until age 75 for those with an average risk. If you are at an increased risk for colorectal cancer, start screening at age 40 or as recommended by your doctor.

You’re at an increased risk of colorectal cancer if you have:

• Family history of colorectal cancer, colorectal polyps or certain inherited diseases
• History of colorectal polyps
• Had radiation therapy to your abdomen or pelvic region
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)

Colorectal cancer screening options

At Henry Ford, we recommend the screening test that’s right for your age, health and risk level. While a colonoscopy is the most common colorectal cancer screening test, it may not be right for everyone. Our personalized approach means you always receive the best test for your needs.

The two main types of colorectal cancer screening tests are:

• Stool-based tests: Stool tests for colon cancer check for hidden blood in your stool or cells with abnormal DNA changes. Stool tests, such as Cologuard®, are usually at-home tests. You collect a stool sample and send it to the lab. If you get an abnormal result from a stool test, you’ll need a visual exam such as a colonoscopy. Stool tests might be appropriate for people not healthy enough for a colonoscopy.
• Visual tests: Visual tests, such as a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, examine your colon and rectum. Your doctor inserts a scope (flexible tube) into your anus to look for polyps. A virtual colonoscopy uses X-rays and CT scans instead of a scope to examine your large intestine. You may get a virtual colonoscopy if you can’t have the sedation necessary for a standard colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy versus at-home colon cancer tests

Many people wonder about the differences between a colonoscopy and an at-home colorectal cancer test. At-home tests are less invasive and more convenient, but they’re less accurate than colonoscopies. You also need at-home testing more often (every one to three years), while you only need a colonoscopy every 10 years if you’re at an average risk. Learn more about at-home alternatives to colonoscopy.

Talk to your doctor about your colorectal cancer risk and your screening options. To make an appointment for your colonoscopy or to talk with your doctor about your risk, call (800) 436-7936.