Colon Cancer Screening
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths — but it's also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early.
If you're 45 or older, you have several screening options, all fully covered as preventive care by the Certificated Employee Health Plan. Talk with your provider about which test is right for you.
If you're experiencing symptoms such as rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss or significant changes in stool habits, don't wait — call your PCP or the MNPS Health Care Centers right away.
Screening Options
All options on this page are covered by the Certificated Employee Health Plan. Talk with your provider about which test is right for you.
- Colonoscopy
- Stool DNA Test (Cologuard®)
- Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- CT Colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
Colonoscopy
Stool DNA Test (Cologuard®)
Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
CT Colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
How to Order Cologuard
Cologuard® is a convenient option for people at average risk — no prep, no sedation and no time out of the classroom. To order your kit, make sure you meet all of the following criteria:
- I am 45 or older.
- I am due (or think I might be due) for colorectal cancer screening.
- I have not had any symptoms of colon cancer, such as rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, significant changes in stool habits or dark stools.
- I do not have a personal or family history of colon cancer.
- I have not had a positive colorectal screening test in the last six months.
- I do not have any conditions associated with high risk for colon cancer, including inflammatory bowel disease, chronic ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or familial adenomatous polyposis.
If you meet the criteria above, complete this brief online form and a provider from the MNPS Health Care Centers will contact you to confirm your kit order and walk you through next steps. If you have your own primary care provider, you can ask them to order the kit directly — it's available by prescription only. Your results will go to your PCP rather than the MNPS Health Care Centers.
If you don't meet the criteria above, call the MNPS Health Care Centers or contact your PCP to discuss which screening option is right for you.