Accuracy

Some screening methods are better at finding polyps and cancer than others. Here's how each test rates on a scale of one (least accurate) to 5 (most accurate) stars.


altColonoscopy

  • Has highest accuracy rate.
  • Finds cancers and large polyps in 9 out of 10 patients who have cancers or large polyps.
  • Finds most small polyps.

altVirtual Colonoscopy

  • Has second-highest accuracy rate.
  • Finds cancers and large polyps in nearly 9 out of 10 patients who have cancers or large polyps.
  • Misses many small polyps.

altFlexible Sigmoidoscopy

  • Has medium accuracy rate.
  • Finds cancers and large polyps in 7 out of 10 patients who have cancers or large polyps.
  • Only examines the lower third of the colon.

altBarium Enema

  • Has medium accuracy rate.
  • Finds cancers in 8 out of 10 patients who have cancers.
  • Misses many large polyps.

alt FOBT

  • Has lowest overall accuracy rate.
  • Finds most cancers, but misses most large polyps.
  • The test may be positive in up to 1 in 10 patients who do NOT have cancers or large polyps (false positive).

altStool DNA Test

  • Old test (PreGen-Plus) test found most cancers but missed most large polyps.
  • New test (Cologuard) test has a high accuracy for finding both cancers and large polyps.

altNo Test

  • No chance of finding polyps or cancer.
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*Please refer to accompanying text for updated information on test accuracy.

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