University of Virginia Health System

Screening for colon cancer

There are many types of tests available for colon cancer screening. Some are more invasive than others, but the more thorough the test, the less frequently you need to do it and the more effective it is at detecting cancer.

The American Gastroenterological Society (AGA) recommends screening colonoscopy as the “gold standard” in colorectal cancer screening. The test can take as little as 15 minutes and in most cases doesn’t need to be repeated for a full ten years. Importantly, all insurance companies in Virginia cover screening colonoscopy for everyone in the state over the age of 50 – in fact, it’s a new state law. The benefit of screening colonoscopy is twofold: patients only need to have the test once every ten years; and growths that lead to cancer can be located and removed during the test.

The University of Virginia Health System also offers one of the most recent technological innovations to view the colon. Virtual Colonoscopy uses CT radiology technology to see inside the colon without the use of any scopes. At the present time, virtual colonoscopy is not covered by insurance for colon cancer screening. However, it is becoming a very important diagnostic tool for patients with medical conditions including abdominal pain, constipation, gastrointestinal bleeding and abnormal weight loss. Click here for more information about virtual colonoscopy.

Following are all current options available for colon cancer screening:

screening colonoscopy, where a doctor uses a flexible tube to see the entire colon;

virtual colonoscopy, which uses imaging technology to see the colon without using scopes;

fecal occult blood test, which checks for hidden blood in the stool;

flexible sigmoidoscopy, which uses a tube to see the lower third of the colon; and

double-contrast barium enema, which uses X-rays and special fluid to check for cancerous growth.

Talk to your doctor about which test may be appropriate for you. 

Call 434-924-9999 to schedule a screening colonoscopy at the Digestive Health Center of Excellence.