Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal Cancer Screening at UVM Health

Colorectal cancer starts in your colon (large intestine) or rectum (the last section of the large intestine, which connects to your anus). Colorectal cancer screening helps find cancer before symptoms develop, when it is usually easiest to treat.

At University of Vermont Health, our gastroenterologists have extensive experience performing colonoscopies — a common and effective colorectal cancer screening procedure.

Our team of professionals works together to ensure your comfort and privacy. We strive to provide a seamless experience before, during and after your screening test.

Why Choose UVM Health?

As a leading gastroenterology program in the region, we offer:

Experience: The accuracy of a colonoscopy is influenced by physician experience. Our gastroenterologists perform a high volume of colonoscopies each year, making them skilled at detecting colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps.
Advanced technology: Facilities across our health system are equipped with state-of-the-art colonoscopy equipment. These advanced tools provide more powerful imaging that allows us to view the inside of your colon and detect abnormalities.
World-class cancer care: If we do find cancer, our multidisciplinary team of gastrointestinal cancer specialists is by your side with personalized care, support and guidance. You have access to leading-edge cancer care delivered with precision and compassion.

Who Needs Colorectal Cancer Screening?

Recommendations for when you should begin screening vary depending on your colorectal cancer risk. For most people, the American College of Gastroenterology recommends regular colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45.

How often you need screening depends on the type of screening test, your results and overall health. The maximum age for colorectal screening is 85.

If you are at high risk for colorectal cancer, your provider will likely recommend earlier and more frequent screening. You may be at high risk if you have a:

Family history of colorectal cancer or a genetic disorder that increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Only first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) are included in your family history.
Personal history of colorectal cancer, precancerous polyps, uterine or ovarian cancer before age 50 or inflammatory bowel disease.

It’s important for people to know that 90% of colorectal cancer cases are beatable if detected early with proper screening.

Randall Holcombe, MD, MBA, Director of UVM Cancer Center and Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology

What to Expect

The two main types of colorectal cancer screening tests are colonoscopies and fecal immunochemical (FIT) tests. Your primary care provider or gastroenterologist can help you determine which test is right for you.

At UVM Health, our providers use a shared decision-making approach when recommending screening. We provide information about both tests and take the time to help you choose the one that best meets your needs and preferences.

Fecal Immunochemical (FIT) Test

A FIT test is a type of stool test for colorectal cancer. It detects blood in your stool, which can be a symptom of colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal conditions. If the result is positive, you will need a follow-up colonoscopy.

Your primary care provider will typically order a FIT test once a year for you to complete at home. You will need to collect a small sample of stool using a kit provided by the laboratory and bring it back to the laboratory for analysis.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a procedure usually performed by a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon. It involves inserting a thin, flexible, lighted tube with a camera (colonoscope) into your rectum and colon to look for abnormal lesions or polyps. During a colonoscopy, we use conscious sedation to relax you and ensure you do not feel any discomfort.

One of the benefits of colonoscopy is that your provider can remove precancerous polyps during the procedure, using small instruments inserted through the colonoscope. Polyp removal decreases your risk of developing colorectal cancer in the future.

Preparing for a Colonoscopy

For most people, preparing for a colonoscopy is the most challenging part of the procedure. Preparation involves emptying your bowels completely using a laxative. It typically requires you to:

Avoid certain foods, especially anything containing seeds and nuts, for one week before your procedure.
Consume only clear liquids the day before your procedure.
Drink a liquid laxative solution, usually the evening before and the morning of your procedure. You will need to use the bathroom frequently during this time.

Your team will review the full colonoscopy prep procedure with you. It’s important to follow the steps carefully so your provider can get a good view of your colon.

Recovery, Going Home and Results

After the colonoscopy procedure, you will go to a recovery room until you wake up. You will need someone to drive you home. Our team will send you and your primary care doctor a letter with your results, which may take up to two weeks.

Dual Colonoscopy and Upper Endoscopy

If indicated, our gastroenterologists can perform an upper endoscopy at the same time as a colonoscopy for your convenience. In an upper endoscopy, your provider inserts a scope into your mouth, esophagus, stomach and first section of your small intestine to look for areas of concern.

Your provider may order an upper endoscopy if you are having gastrointestinal symptoms such as: