Colorectal Screening & Prevention

The good news is that many colorectal cancer cases and deaths are considered preventable. That's why it's vital that you participate in recommended screenings!

Most men and women age 50 and older should have a colon cancer screening. Patients at risk may need screening earlier.

Colon cancer screening can find precancerous polyps. Removing these polyps may prevent colon cancer. In fact, colonoscopy almost always catches colon cancer in its earliest and most curable stages!

Request a free FIT Colorectal Cancer Screening Kit

We offer free colorectal screening kits all year to anyone age 50 and older who has no personal history of colorectal cancer or disease and no colorectal cancer screening within the past 12 months.

To request a free FIT screening kit, call (262) 928-2745.  Spanish speakers can call the Hispanic Community Health Resource Center at (262) 928-4181.  The kits are available in both English and Spanish.

Are You Being Screened For Colorectal Cancer?

Screening tests look for a certain disease or condition before any symptoms appear and can prevent many cases of colon and rectal cancer. The most common screening tests are:

  • Stool tests that check for signs of cancer:
    • Fecal occult blood test (FOBT).
    • Fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
    • Stool DNA test (sDNA).
  • Sigmoidoscopy: A doctor puts a flexible viewing tube into your rectum and into the first part of your colon. This lets the doctor see the lower portion of the intestine, which is where most colon cancers grow. Doctors can remove polyps during this test also.
  • Colonoscopy: A doctor puts a long, flexible viewing tube into your rectum and colon. The tube is usually linked to a video monitor similar to a TV screen. With this test, the doctor can see the entire large intestine.
  • Computed tomographic colonography (CTC): This test is also called a virtual colonoscopy. A computer and X-rays make a detailed picture of the colon to help the doctor look for polyps.

Are you at risk of a Genetic cancer?

Follow this link to find out more!

Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Can Help You Stay Healthy