Start Colon Screenings at Age 45
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. The decision to be screened between ages 76 and 85 should be made on an individual basis. If you are older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening options.
Multiple Screening Options
CDC recommended screening tests and intervals
Stool Sample Test
The guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) and the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) both check for hidden blood in the stool using small at-home samples and are done once a year, while the FIT-DNA test (Cologuard) combines FIT with DNA analysis by testing an entire bowel movement and is recommended every three years.
Colonoscopy
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The GOLD Standard. A colonoscopy uses a flexible, lighted tube to examine the rectum and entire colon and is recommended every 10 years for people at average risk. During the procedure, doctors can collect tissue samples or remove polyps. It’s used for routine screening, to follow up on positive or unclear test results, or to diagnose symptoms.
CT Colonography & Sigmoidoscopy
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CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) uses X-rays and computer imaging to examine the entire colon and is recommended every five years. Flexible sigmoidoscopy uses a lighted tube to view the rectum and lower colon and should be done every five years, paired with a fecal occult blood test every three years.​
Colon Screening Education Resources
For more information on colorectal cancer risk factors, symptoms, and how to get screened, visit:
Chattanooga Colon Screening Resource Guide
Chattanooga Community Partners
Volunteers in Medicine, Chattanooga, Inc. (VIM Chattanooga) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) primary care clinic. Volunteer physicians and nurses provide free medical services to financially eligible adults who are uninsured. VIM is a primary care service and can refer you to a specialist at Project Access if needed.
Southeast Tennessee Project Access was created to help uninsured individuals get the health care they need by linking local physicians, hospitals, and local health clinics that agree to donate their services to the individuals and families in need of health care services.
We are an affordable medical clinic modeled after global mission hospitals with Chattanooga as our urban mission ground. Our ambition is to solve the complex challenges of health care, especially for the Latino community of our city.
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