Following a routine screening schedule can not only give you peace of mind, but it might save your life. You may even have more testing options than you realized.

Colorectal screening helps protect against cancer in two ways:

1. The test helps doctors detect small cancers in the colon and rectum before they grow large enough to cause symptoms. At this early stage, colorectal cancer treatment is often most effective.

2. Screening can actually prevent colorectal cancer. Some tests look for growths, called polyps, in the colon. Colorectal cancer often arises from these polyps. So finding and removing them helps stop cancer from ever starting.

Several screening tests are used to check for colorectal cancer. Each test has pros and cons. Your provider can help you decide which one is best for you. The most important thing is to get screened on time, so having any colorectal test is better than none.

Screening options include:

Stool tests. You take the test at home and return it to a lab for a diagnosis. You are screened every one to three years with this option. The tests look for hidden blood in the stool or changes in stool DNA, which may be signs of cancer. If something suspicious is found, then the next step is a colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy. This test checks the entire colon and rectum for cancer or polyps, which may be removed during the exam. It's usually done every 10 years. You must cleanse your bowel completely the night before this test.

The recommendation to start screening in your mid-40s is for people at average risk of colorectal cancer. You may need earlier and more frequent testing if you are at increased risk based on your personal and family health history.

Talk to your Watson Clinic Family Medicine or Internal Medicine provider about a screening schedule that works best for your individual needs. Then schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified Gastroenterologists.

Sources: American Cancer Society; American Society of Clinical Oncology