The tests:

1)    Fecal occult blood test – As the name implies, this is a test looking for the tell-tale sign of blood in the stool. It’s not comprehensive -- it only picks up roughly 30 percent of polyps. But it does detect cancers about 70 percent of the time. Your medical professional can provide you with the card and directions. It is typically recommended that this test be done every year.

2)    Fecal immunochemical test – This is another procedure similar to the blood test, which uses special chemicals to detect the presence of potential cancers. Like the blood test, your medical professional can provide the card and instructions on using it. It should be performed every year.

3)    Cologuard – This is a relatively new test that was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It will detect DNA mutations and blood in the stool and is believed to detect 40 percent of polyps and 90 percent of colon cancers. This is a commercial test available directly from the Cologuard company. It likely needs to be repeated every three years.

Another potential test is the CT Colonography. This is a procedure somewhat similar to the colonoscopy but is performed by a radiologist who inserts a tube into the rectum. The colon is then filled with air while a CT scan is performed. This is sometimes referred to as a “virtual colonoscopy,” but it is not as effective as a traditional colonoscopy in finding the flat lesions and smaller polyps that may be in your system. The procedure is usually done without sedation. You will have to undergo the same ritual cleansing procedure as a regular colonoscopy, including ingesting a large amount of fluid.