Don’t Stay Unscreened

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If colonoscopy is not going to happen, do not stay unscreened. Stool-based screening can be valuable when it gets someone screened who otherwise would not be.

The American Cancer Society supports stool-based tests and colonoscopy for eligible average-risk adults, starting at age 45. Recommendation does not make the methods identical in detection, burdens, or polyp removal, and does not imply ACS endorsement of this campaign.

Organized FIT programs demonstrate the value of participation, repeat testing, and completed colonoscopy follow-up. FIT is a stool blood test; its program outcomes cannot automatically be attributed to stool DNA testing.

Colonoscopy can find and remove detected precancerous polyps during the same exam. It can also miss lesions and has preparation, sedation, bleeding, perforation, and other burdens or risks. Stool-based screening remains a guideline-supported option; a positive stool test requires colonoscopy. Choose a screening plan you can complete with your clinician.