Colorectal cancer screening: what to know and how to get started
5 Minutes
Team Curative
Dec 9, 2025
You can’t always see or feel the early changes that lead to colorectal cancer. That’s where screening comes in: simple, routine tests, such as at-home stool kits or a colonoscopy, can detect early warning signs and identify small growths in the colon or rectum that often take years to develop. Catching these changes early gives you and your clinician a real opportunity to prevent cancer or treat it at its earliest, most manageable stage.
Understanding how and when to get screened can help you feel confident and in control of your long-term health.
You will learn:
What colorectal cancer screening is and why it matters
Who needs screening and how often
The difference between at-home stool tests and colonoscopy
What to expect before, during, and after each screening option
How Curative supports screening and helps you get started
What colorectal cancer screening looks for
Colorectal cancer screening checks for early signs of cancer or precancerous growths in the colon and rectum. Members typically have two main screening options:
At-home stool DNA tests (such as Cologuard)
Stool tests look for DNA changes or blood that could indicate early cancer or precancerous growths.Here’s a convenient test:
No prep
No sedation
No time off work
Completed at home and mailed back
Curative offers access to Cologuard, an at-home DNA stool test for average-risk members. Cologuard is not right for everyone. Consider talking about it with your PCP. The BLV Clinician can also answer questions. You can learn more or get started here.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure where a specialist uses a small camera to look inside the entire colon.*
Done in a clinic or outpatient center
You are relaxed or asleep during the procedure
Allows the specialist to remove polyps during the same screening visit
Repeated every 3-10 years if normal
This test is recommended for:
Higher-risk members
Members with prior abnormal results
Members who prefer a comprehensive screening method
*Please note prior authorization is not required if the procedure is done at an Ambulatory Surgery Center. Prior Authorization is required if the procedure is done at a hospital.
Who should get screened?
Clinical guidelines recommend routine colorectal cancer screening for most adults ages 45–75.
Recommended screening intervals include:
At-home stool DNA test: every 1–3 years, depending on the test type and results
Colonoscopy: every 10 years, unless your provider recommends earlier or more frequent testing
Your timing may be different if:
You have a family history of colorectal cancer
You’ve had polyps removed in the past
You have inflammatory bowel disease
A clinician identifies a higher-risk pattern
Why screening matters
Colorectal cancer often develops with no symptoms at all in its early stages. That means screening is essential—not just for finding cancer early, but also for preventing it altogether by removing precancerous polyps.
Routine screening has been shown to significantly reduce colorectal cancer diagnoses and deaths through early detection and polyp removal.
What to expect with each screening option
At-home stool test (Cologuard)
Your PCP or Care Navigator helps you order the kit
It arrives at your home with easy instructions
You collect the sample using the kit and mail it back
Your results go to your cologuard doctor
If abnormal, your clinician may recommend a follow-up colonoscopy
Colonoscopy
You receive prep instructions from the gastroenterology office
You come to the clinic the day of the procedure
A specialist uses a camera to check the colon while you're relaxed or asleep
Polyps can be removed right away
A driver is required because of the sedatives used
You receive results and follow-up instructions afterward
Most people report they are comfortable during the procedure, and many find it easier than expected.
Where you can go for screening
You can complete screening through:
A primary care clinician
A gastroenterologist
An outpatient endoscopy center
An at-home test kit for stool-based screening
Curative members can search by specialty, location, or name using the provider directory: https://curative.com/providers
How Curative supports your screening
Curative makes it easier to stay on track with preventive care.
With Curative, you get:
$0 cost-sharing for recommended colorectal cancer screening
Support during your Baseline Visit to choose the right screening option
Help from your Care Navigator to:
Order Cologuard
Find high-quality, low-cost colonoscopy facilities
Manage any prior authorization requirements
Follow up on screening completion
Screening shouldn’t be stressful—and we’re here to make the process simple and supportive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does colorectal cancer screening take?
An at-home stool test takes only a few minutes to complete. A colonoscopy typically takes a few hours, including preparation and recovery time.
Does a colonoscopy hurt?
No. You’re relaxed or asleep during the procedure and most people feel only mild bloating afterward.
Do I need screening if I feel fine?
Yes. Most early colorectal cancers cause no symptoms.
What if my test is abnormal?
Your clinician will walk you through next steps. Many abnormal results do not necessarily mean cancer.
How do I know which test is right for me?
Your clinician will help decide based on your risk level, preferences, and history.
How do I get started through Curative?
Visit our provider search tool or talk with your Care Navigator.
Colorectal cancer screening is one of the most effective tools for early detection and prevention. Whether you prefer an at-home option like Cologuard or a comprehensive colonoscopy, Curative supports you every step of the way with $0 cost-sharing and personalized guidance.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about Cologuard
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Índice de Contenidos
What colorectal cancer screening looks for
At-home stool DNA tests (such as Cologuard)
Who should get screened?
Why screening matters
What to expect with each screening option
Where you can go for screening
How Curative supports your screening
Frequently Asked Questions
