Colon Cancer Screenings

Early detection is key and we recommend all adults 45 and older be screened for colon cancer.

More than 50,000 Americans die of colon cancer each year.

You might be at greater risk for colon cancer if you have a family history of:

• Polyps
• Colon cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
• Hereditary/genetic predisposition

If you are at greater risk, you may need to be screened earlier or more often.

Watch video to learn more  

Getting started with your screening

Don’t become a statistic. If you are 45 or older and have not been screened for colon cancer, talk with your primary care provider.

• Call 216-MYMETRO (696-3876) to make an appointment.
• If you have a MyChart account, send your provider a message asking to be screened. They will recommend the best option based on your risk factors. 

Screening options

There are different options for how you are screened depending on your risk factors.

FIT Screening

For those at average risk. It requires no preparation or change to your diet. Done at home. Mail in your sample using prepaid packaging provided. Lab tests stool for blood.

If your primary care provider determined the FIT screening is right for you, he or she will place the order. Call or use MyChart to have the kit mailed to you (see instructions below):

1. Call us at 216-957-2550. You can choose from the following:

• Have it mailed to your home address
• Pick it up at a previously-scheduled appointment
• Schedule a pick-up time

2. Use MyChart account to have a kit mailed to you.

Click on the MyChart link that states "Make an appointment. We have sent you a new scheduling ticket" and follow the instructions.

Important Resources

• Watch Video

Cologuard

For those at average risk. Done at home. Request UPS pick up using prepaid packaging provided. Lab tests stool for blood.

If your primary care provider determined the Cologuard screening is right for you, he or she will place the order. Call or use MyChart to have the kit mailed to you (see instructions below):

1. Call us at 216-957-2550 to have a kit mailed to you.

2. Use MyChart account to have a kit mailed to you.

Click on the MyChart link that states "Make an appointment. We have sent you a new scheduling ticket" and follow the instructions.

Important Resources

• For more information about Cologuard, visit cologuard.com.

Colonoscopy

For those at average risk with stool test showing blood or for those at high risk (family history of polyps, colorectal cancer, genetic predisposition, etc.) for developing colorectal cancer. Precancerous lesions, or polyps, are identified and removed before they become cancerous. Requires a colon cleansing the night before and mild sedation for the procedure.

• Provider referral is required.
• To schedule a colonoscopy, call 216-778-5381.
• MetroHealth locations: Cleveland Heights, Main Campus and Parma Medical Center.

Important Resources

• Sign in to watch a video 
• Procedure Preparation