- Are 45 or older and at average or higher risk
- Have had abnormal results from another screening
- Have symptoms like blood in your stool or ongoing changes in bowel habits
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Protect Your Health with Regular Screening
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in adults, but it’s also one of the most preventable. By scheduling regular screenings, you can catch early signs of cancer or changes in your colon before they become serious.
Most adults should start screening at age 45, even if they don’t have symptoms. If you’re ready for your screening, we’re here to help you choose the option that works best for you.
When Should You Get Screened?
Your provider will recommend a screening schedule based on your age, medical history, and risk factors. Here are the general guidelines:
- Begin screening at age 45 if you are at average risk
- Colonoscopy: every 10 years if results are normal
- Cologuard®: every 3 years if results are negative
- You may need to start earlier or screen more often if you:
- Have a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps
- Have certain medical conditions
- Notice symptoms like blood in your stool, stomach pain or unexplained weight loss
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy allows your doctor to examine the inside of your colon using a thin, flexible tube with a camera. If they find polyps or other concerns, they can often remove them during the same procedure, which may help prevent colon cancer from developing.
What to Expect
- You’ll follow bowel preparation instructions the day before
- The procedure will take place in a clinic or hospital while you are under light sedation
- Most patients return home the same day to rest
- If your results are normal, you will repeat the process every 10 years
Colonoscopy may be a good fit if you:
Colonoscopy may not be recommended if you:
- Cannot safely be sedated
- Have trouble preparing your bowel for the test
Where to Go
Colonoscopies are performed by several LifeBridge Health providers. Select a practice below to see the full list of providers and locations.
Provider directory link
General Surgery Specialists – Crossroads
23 Crossroads Dr.
Suite 410
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Provider directory link
Woodholme Gastroenterology Associates
535 Old Westminster Pike
Suite 101
Westminster, MD 21157
Provider directory link
Sinai Gastroenterology Associates at Sinai
2411 W. Belvedere Ave.
Suite 305
Baltimore, MD 21215
Cologuard®
Cologuard® is a convenient at-home stool test that screens for signs of colorectal cancer, such as blood or DNA changes.
What to Expect
- Your provider will order the kit, which will be shipped to your home
- Follow the instructions to collect a stool sample
- Return the sample in the pre-paid box
- Your provider will review the results and follow up
- If your result is negative and you’re at average risk, plan to test again in 3 years
Cologuard® may be a good fit if you:
- Are 45 or older and at average risk
- Have no symptoms
- Prefer a non-invasive, at-home option
Cologuard® may not be recommended if you:
- Have a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps
- Had a positive result from a past test
- Have symptoms like blood in your stool or ongoing changes in bowel habits
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Use the form below to request a colonoscopy referral or a Cologuard® test. You can also let us know if you recently had a screening or plan to have one soon.