Colorectal Cancer Screening

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Colorectal Cancer Screenings Save Lives

A colorectal cancer screening can help you catch cancer earlier. If you’re on a waitlist for a colonoscopy, you may be able to get screened sooner with an at-home test.

At-home stool-based tests are trusted and easy to do. This type of test may be a good option for you if you do not have:

  • Symptoms of colorectal cancer, such as blood in your stool, abdominal pain, changes in your bowel habits or unplanned weight loss
  • A family history of a parent or sibling having colon polyps or colorectal cancer
  • A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, colon polyps or colorectal cancer

Please complete the form below if you:

  • Have symptoms of colorectal cancer
  • Have a family history of colorectal cancer
  • Need to update your address
  • Have questions about colorectal cancer screening and would like someone to call you

Types of At-Home Tests

Your at-home test options include the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and Cologuard® (FIT + DNA) . These tests use a sample of your stool and you get the results within two weeks.


Understanding Your Test Results

A normal result means that no signs of colorectal cancer were found. You will receive a letter notifying you if your results are normal. Your letter will also include details about getting screened in the future.

A positive or abnormal result means that the test found possible signs of cancer. You will be contacted if you have a positive or abnormal result to schedule a colonoscopy. During this procedure, a provider may remove growth on the inner lining of the colon, called polyps, or take a sample of tissue for testing.


Catching Cancer Sooner

A colorectal cancer screening can prevent and identify cancer early. Today, fewer people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer because of screenings and lifestyle changes based on risk factors.

Regular colorectal cancer screenings are recommended starting at age 45 until age 75, as long as you are in good health.

Costs for Colorectal Cancer Screening Don’t let financial concerns keep you from getting screened for colorectal cancer. Stool-based tests are covered by most insurance.

To learn about financial assistance programs, costs and payment plan options, call (833) 45-COLON or (833) 452-6566.

Colorectal Cancer FAQs

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. Cancer starts when cells divide and grow uncontrollably.

How common is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. One in 23 men and one in 26 women will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime. The risk of developing colorectal cancer varies depending on personal risk factors.

What are common risk factors for colorectal cancer?

Risk factors include:

  • Age. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases after age 45.
  • Family history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps
  • Past diagnosis of colorectal cancer
  • History of inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
  • Genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome

Lifestyle risk factors include:

  • Diet
  • Heavy alcohol intake and tobacco use
  • Lack of regular physical activity
  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes

Who should get a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy may be right for you if you have:

  • A history of colorectal cancer, colon polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
  • A parent or sibling with a history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps
  • Symptoms of colorectal cancer, including abdominal pain, blood in your stool, changes in your bowel habits or unplanned weight loss

What is the cost of a stool-based test?

There is no cost to get the test. Once it is completed and returned, you may receive a bill. In most cases, testing costs are paid for by your insurance.

How should I get ready for a stool-based test?

There is no prep needed and you can eat and drink as normal. You may want to delay your test if you have unusual diarrhea, your period or blood in your stool.

When will I get my results?

After you complete and return your test, you will get your results within two weeks.

How does Sanford Health decide which stool-based test I receive?

Patients are randomly assigned either Cologuard or FIT. Both tests are effective, easy to use and covered by most insurance.

If you would like to change the stool-based test you receive to the other option, call (833) 45-COLON or (833) 452-6566.

How do I confirm my address on My Sanford Chart?

Log in to My Sanford Chart. In the menu, select Personal Information under Account Settings. This will display your contact information, including your address and phone number. If you have more than one home or will be staying somewhere besides your primary address, you can add a temporary address.

Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

This test screens for cancer by checking the stool for blood not seen by the naked eye.

How often should I do this type of test?

This test should be completed once a year.

When will I receive my test?

You will receive your FIT in the coming weeks. The test will be sent to the home address listed in your patient records.

How do I do this type of test?

You will receive the test and instructions in the mail. Complete the test within seven days and mail it back using the included postpaid return envelope.

How is the sample collected?

Watch this video for step-by-step instructions on how to collect the sample. Samples must be mailed back within a day of collection.
Steps include:

  • Checking the kit
  • Preparing to collect the sample
  • Collecting the sample
  • Scraping the sample
  • Preparing the container
  • Labeling and packing the sample
  • Shipping the test

Cologuard Test

What is a Cologuard test?

This test screens for cancer by checking the stool for certain DNA markers and blood.

How often should I do the Cologuard test?

This test should be completed every three years.

When will I receive a Cologuard test?

You will receive a Cologuard test in the coming weeks. The test will be sent to the home address listed in your patient records.

How do I do a Cologuard test?

You will receive the test and instructions in the mail. Complete the test within seven days and mail it back using the same box it arrived in. It will include a UPS® prepaid shipping label.

How is the sample collected?

Cologuard has step-by-step instructions for collecting the sample. Samples must be mailed back within a day of collection.
Steps include:

  • Checking the kit
  • Preparing to collect the sample
  • Collecting the sample
  • Scraping the sample
  • Preparing the container for returning the sample
  • Labeling and packing the sample
  • Shipping the test