Colon Cancer Screening in Vancouver, WA
We want you to feel better.
That is the core of who we are. We went into medicine because we want you to feel better!
We make sure our patients are heard, feel accepted, and experience compassionate care. That is why we are a membership based practice!
Colon cancer screening is one of the most powerful preventive tools in medicine — and it is central to how we protect our patients long-term. Our expert providers make sure you get the guidance and referrals you need, right on time!
Please read on to learn more about colon cancer screening. When you are ready, simply click Enroll Now to join the practice.
We look forward to meeting you soon!
A Guide to Colon Cancer Screening
At Vancouver Direct Primary Care, our clinicians ensure you are up to date on colorectal cancer screening. Colon cancer is highly preventable and treatable when caught early — but it remains the second leading cause of cancer death in the US largely because too many people skip the screening conversation.
- An Introduction to Colorectal Cancer
- Screening Options Available
- When to Start Screening
- High-Risk Screening Guidelines
- What Happens After an Abnormal Result
- FAQs about Colon Cancer Screening
An Intro to Colon Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer almost always develops slowly from precancerous polyps — and those polyps can be found and removed before they ever become cancer. Screening is what makes that possible. At Vancouver Direct Primary Care, we make sure every eligible patient has a screening plan in place and understands their options, so that nothing slips through the cracks.
What Are the Colon Cancer Screening Options?
There are several effective screening methods — your provider helps determine which is right for you.
Colonoscopy — The Gold Standard
A colonoscopy allows direct visualization of the entire colon and the ability to remove polyps during the same procedure. It is recommended every 10 years for average-risk adults starting at age 45, and more frequently for those with prior polyps or elevated risk. Your VDPC provider coordinates the referral and ensures you are properly prepared for the procedure.
Stool-Based Tests — Non-Invasive Options
For patients who prefer a non-invasive option, stool-based tests including the FIT (fecal immunochemical test) and Cologuard offer effective alternatives. FIT is done annually, Cologuard every three years. A positive result on either requires follow-up colonoscopy. Your VDPC provider will discuss which method fits your situation, risk level, and personal preferences.
Screening Timing & High-Risk Guidelines
When Should Colon Cancer Screening Begin?
Does Family History Change the Timeline?
Yes — significantly. If you have a first-degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer or advanced polyps before age 60, screening should begin at age 40 or 10 years before the relative’s diagnosis — whichever comes first. At VDPC, we take a full family history and make sure your screening timeline reflects your actual risk, not just the average-risk default.
Other High-Risk Factors We Screen For
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), a personal history of polyps, inherited syndromes like Lynch syndrome or FAP, and certain racial or ethnic backgrounds all increase colorectal cancer risk. Your provider identifies these risk factors and adjusts your screening plan accordingly.
Colon Cancer Screening Methods
Approved colorectal cancer screening options and their schedules:
- Colonoscopy: every 10 years (average risk, starting age 45)
- FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test): annually
- Cologuard (stool DNA test): every 3 years
- CT Colonography (virtual colonoscopy): every 5 years
High-Risk Starting Points
- Family history of CRC before 60: begin at age 40
- Personal history of polyps: colonoscopy every 3–5 years
- IBD (Crohn's or UC): colonoscopy every 1–2 years after 8 years of disease
- Lynch syndrome or FAP: annual colonoscopy from age 20–25
What Happens if My Screening Result Is Abnormal?
A positive FIT or Cologuard result, or the discovery of polyps on colonoscopy, does not mean cancer — but it does require prompt follow-up. Your VDPC provider will coordinate next steps, including gastroenterology referral when indicated, and stay in close communication with you through the process so you are never left wondering what comes next.
Is Colon Cancer Screening Covered for VDPC Members?
Screening referrals and stool-based test orders are included in your VDPC membership. Most insurance plans cover colonoscopy and FIT testing at no cost as preventive care for eligible patients. For uninsured members, we help identify the most affordable screening path available.
Get Professional Medical Support for Your Colorectal Health
At Vancouver Direct Primary Care, our providers will make sure you are screened on time, in the right way, and that any concerning findings are followed up promptly and thoroughly.
Thoughtful care to help you:
- Stay On Schedule With Your Screening
- Choose the Right Screening Method for You
- Catch Polyps Before They Become Cancer
- Navigate Abnormal Results With Confidence
- Protect Your Long-Term Colorectal Health
FAQs About Colon Cancer Screening
At what age should I start colon cancer screening?
Current guidelines recommend colon cancer screening beginning at age 45 for average-risk adults — a change from the previous age 50 recommendation that reflects the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in younger adults. High-risk individuals, including those with a family history or inflammatory bowel disease, should begin earlier. Your VDPC provider reviews your risk and sets the right starting point for you.
Is a colonoscopy the only option for colon cancer screening?
No. Several effective non-invasive options exist, including FIT (annual stool blood test) and Cologuard (stool DNA test, every 3 years). These are good options for patients who are not ready for or cannot access colonoscopy. However, any positive result on a stool-based test requires follow-up colonoscopy. Your VDPC provider helps you choose the method that fits your situation and makes sure you stay on schedule.
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Early colon cancer often has no symptoms — which is exactly why routine screening is so critical. When symptoms do appear they can include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue. Any of these symptoms warrant prompt evaluation regardless of your screening schedule. At VDPC, we take GI symptoms seriously and act on them quickly.
Can colon cancer be prevented entirely?
Not entirely — but colonoscopy comes remarkably close for many people. By identifying and removing precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer, colonoscopy is one of the only screening tools that is both diagnostic and preventive. Combined with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol, your colorectal cancer risk can be substantially reduced with the right screening and lifestyle plan.
High-Quality Primary Care.
Colon cancer screening coordination and preventive care services are included with your membership at our low monthly rate of only $149. The screening test itself, such as a colonoscopy, is scheduled by referral and billed separately, and we help you coordinate it.
Vancouver Direct Primary Care is a membership-based medical clinic in Vancouver, WA. Just like a gym membership gives you ongoing access, ours gives you a provider who tracks your screening schedule and makes sure you are never overdue for something important.
This is how we keep our patient-to-provider ratio low and our care high. You get thorough, thoughtful care built on our values: being heard, feeling accepted, and receiving compassionate care every time.
Individuals
$149/month
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