What to Expect During Screening

Hearing that you need a colon screening can feel scary. Many people worry about discomfort, embarrassment, or bad news. The truth is that screening is safe, common, and very effective. It can find problems early when they are easiest to treat. It can also prevent cancer by removing polyps before they ever become dangerous. Knowing what will happen helps you feel prepared and in control.

Screening Options

Your provider will help you choose the right test based on your age, symptoms, and family history.

FIT stool test. This is an at-home kit that checks for hidden blood in your stool. No diet changes are needed. You collect a small sample and mail it to a lab. Results are sent to your provider.

Cologuard stool DNA test. This is an at-home kit that looks for hidden blood and certain DNA changes. It is usually for people at average risk. Your provider will explain if it fits your situation.

Colonoscopy. This is a procedure in a clinic or hospital where a doctor looks inside the colon with a thin, flexible camera. Sedation keeps you comfortable. The doctor can remove polyps during the test, which can prevent cancer.

If an at-home test is positive, a colonoscopy is the next step to look more closely.

FIT Stool Test

What it is
The FIT is an at-home stool test that checks for hidden blood. Hidden blood can be a sign of polyps or cancer.

Who it is for
People at average risk. It is also useful when you and your provider want a quick, noninvasive first step. It is done once a year unless your provider advises otherwise.

How it works

Your clinic gives you a small kit.
At home, you collect a tiny sample from one bowel movement.
You seal the sample in the kit and mail or return it to the lab.
Your provider contacts you with results.

Preparation
No diet changes. No bowel prep. Follow the kit instructions exactly so the sample is usable.

What the results mean

Negative result. No hidden blood was found. Keep your regular schedule for screening. If you still have symptoms, tell your provider.
Positive result. Hidden blood was found. You will need a colonoscopy to find the cause. A positive FIT does not always mean cancer. The colonoscopy gives clear answers.

Limits to know
The FIT does not find every problem. It can miss some polyps. It does not remove anything. It is a screening step that guides next choices.

Tips for success

Read the instructions before you start.
Do the test on a day you can mail or return it on time.
If the kit expires or gets damaged, ask for a new one.
Put a reminder on your calendar to repeat next year.

Common concerns

Privacy. You do the test in your own bathroom.
Cost. Many plans cover it. Your clinic can help you ask about coverage.

Cologuard Stool DNA Test

What it is
Cologuard is an at-home stool test that looks for hidden blood and DNA changes that can be linked to cancer or advanced polyps.

Who it is for
People at average risk who prefer a noninvasive test. It is usually done every three years if results remain negative. Your provider will confirm if it is right for you.

How it works

A kit is shipped to your home.
You collect a sample from one bowel movement using the kit’s container.
You pack the container in the prepaid box and schedule a pickup or drop it off as instructed.
Your provider contacts you with results.

Preparation
No bowel prep. No diet changes. Follow the timing and shipping directions to keep the sample stable.

What the results mean

Negative result. No concerning blood or DNA changes were found. Stay on the schedule your provider recommends.
Positive result. A signal was detected. You will need a colonoscopy to look for the cause. A positive result does not mean you have cancer. It means a closer look is needed.

Limits to know
Cologuard can be positive for reasons other than cancer. It can also miss some problems. It cannot remove polyps. It is a screening tool that helps decide next steps.

Tips for success

Open the kit when it arrives and read the steps.
Plan the collection on a day you can ship right away.
Use the phone number in the kit if you have questions.

Common concerns

Mess or smell. The kit is designed to keep the process clean and sealed.
Cost. Coverage varies. Ask your clinic to check your plan and financial assistance options if needed.

Colonoscopy

What it is
A colonoscopy lets the doctor look directly inside the colon with a thin, flexible camera. The doctor can remove polyps and take small samples if needed. This test can prevent cancer and also diagnose it early.

When it is recommended

You have red-flag symptoms, such as rectal bleeding, iron-deficiency anemia, a change in bowel habits that lasts more than four weeks, or unexplained weight loss.
You have a positive FIT or Cologuard result.
You have a strong family history or a genetic condition that raises risk.
You and your provider choose colonoscopy as your preferred screening test.

Before the procedure

Diet changes. You may follow a low fiber plan one to three days before and then switch to clear liquids on the day before. Your instructions will list what is allowed.
Bowel prep. You will drink a solution that cleans the colon. Expect frequent trips to the bathroom. Chilling the solution and sipping through a straw can help. A clear liquid chaser may make the taste easier if your instructions allow it. Use soft wipes and a barrier cream to protect the skin.
Medications. Tell your provider about all medicines and supplements. You may need adjustments for blood thinners, diabetes medicines, or iron. Only change what your provider directs.
Plan your day. Stay near a bathroom during the prep. Arrange a ride for the day of the procedure. You will not be able to drive afterward.

Day of the procedure

Check in and privacy. Staff will confirm your identity, review allergies and medicines, and answer questions. You will change in a private area and will be covered during the procedure.
Sedation. Most people receive IV medicines that help them relax and sleep. You should feel comfortable and may not remember the procedure. If you have had nausea after anesthesia before, tell the team so they can give preventive medicine.
What you may feel. You will lie on your side. The doctor guides the scope through the colon. Air or carbon dioxide gently opens the colon for a better view. You might feel brief pressure or cramping that passes quickly.
Time in the room. The exam itself often takes 20 to 45 minutes. The entire visit is longer because of check in, sedation, and recovery.

Why many people choose colonoscopy

It can remove polyps during the same visit.
It gives a full view of the colon.
If results are normal and you are average risk, you may not need another colonoscopy for many years.

Safety
Complications are uncommon. Your team watches you closely and follows safety steps at every stage. Tell your provider about all health conditions so the plan fits you.

If you feel unsure
Talk openly with your provider. Ask what test is right for your situation, what date works best, and what support is available for cost or logistics. If you are not ready for a colonoscopy, discuss doing a FIT or Cologuard now while you plan the next step. A positive stool test will still need a colonoscopy, but many people feel better starting with a simpler test.

Reminder

Screening is about staying safe, not about expecting bad news. Most people complete these tests and go right back to normal life. If a problem is found early, treatment is usually simpler and more successful. Ask questions, follow the instructions, and bring a support person if you can. You are taking a strong and positive step for your health.