Colonoscopy vs. FIT test: which colon screening is right for you?
There's more than one way to screen for colon cancer. Here's how the options compare and how to choose.
Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers — if you screen. Colonoscopy is the gold standard, but it's not the only option, and in Canada it's often not the first-line offer.
The options
- Colonoscopy — every 10 years. Finds and removes polyps in one visit. Requires prep and sedation.
- FIT (fecal immunochemical test) — annually. At-home stool sample. Positive result triggers a colonoscopy.
- Cologuard / multi-target stool DNA — every 3 years. More sensitive than FIT, more expensive.
- CT colonography — every 5 years. Imaging alternative for people who can't tolerate colonoscopy.
For average-risk adults, annual FIT is nearly as effective as 10-year colonoscopy at reducing deaths — if you actually do it every year. Consistency beats the fancier test.
This is not medical advice. Clinic Compass is an educational tool to help you prepare for a walk-in visit. It does not create a doctor–patient relationship, does not diagnose or treat any condition, and is not a substitute for the judgement of a licensed healthcare professional who knows your history. Never delay, avoid, or change medical care because of something you read here. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
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