Comprehensive colon cancer screening

The American Cancer Society recommends that everyone over the age of 50 have their colon screened. (If a close relative has colon cancer, screening should start even sooner.)

Colon cancer screening is one of the most important things you can do for yourself or your loved ones. The evidence is clear — screening for colon cancer saves lives.

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Three ways to screen:

1

1

Colonoscopy

The most popular colon cancer screening test — taken by millions each year. Colonoscopy involves insertion of a tiny camera throughout the entire colon.

  • More accurate than a stool test, but more invasive; requires sedation
  • Doctors can remove precancerous polyps or take biopsies
  • Requires cleansing of bowel the day before
  • Covered by insurance

2

Stool Test

The easiest way to check for colon cancer. A small stool sample is checked for blood. (Most colon cancers bleed. When they’re just forming, the bleeding can’t be seen with the eye.)

  • Simple
  • Inexpensive
  • Safe

If results show evidence of bleeding, further testing is required, usually with a colonoscopy.

3

Virtual Colonoscopy

The newest test to check for colon cancer. Similar to regular colonoscopy, but uses a CT scanner instead of a scope.

  • Requires cleansing of bowel the day before
  • No IV or sedation is necessary
  • Can return quickly to normal activities

Important considerations:

  • If polyp or cancer is found, regular colonoscopy is required to remove it
  • Some insurance plans may not cover

UT Southwestern's colonoscopy specialists

Deepak Agrawal, MD, Gastroenterologist

Deepak Agrawal, MD, Gastroenterologist

 Gaurav Arora, MD, Gastroenterologist

Gaurav Arora, MD, Gastroenterologist

 Jayaprakash Sreenarasimhaiah, MD, Gastroenterologist

Jayaprakash Sreenarasimhaiah, MD, Gastroenterologist

 Roopa Vemulapalli, MD, Gastroenterologist

Roopa Vemulapalli, MD, Gastroenterologist

Screening Saves Lives

Roopa Vemulapalli, MD, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, discusses the process and importance of getting a colonoscopy.

State-of-the-art outpatient building

State-of-the-art outpatient building

The new Outpatient Building facility at UT Southwestern

Colon cancer screenings are performed in UT Southwestern Medical Center's new Outpatient Building. Our Outpatient Building is a modern, seven-story structure offering state-of-the-art equipment and imaging services.

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Importance of Colon Screening

Colon Cancer Q&A