Preference tool
Which screening options fit the way you want to be screened?
For average-risk adults without symptoms, this tool compares practical features—not medical superiority. If you have symptoms or higher-risk history, use an individualized clinical plan instead.
2026 ACS options
What the preference tool considers
| Option | At home? | Bowel prep? | Sedation? | Typical ACS interval* | Can remove polyps? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIT | Yes | No | No | Yearly | No |
| Stool DNA | Yes | No | No | Every 3 years | No |
| Stool RNA | Yes | No | No | Every 3 years | No |
| Colonoscopy | No | Yes | Usually | Every 10 years | Yes, many during exam |
| CT colonography | No | Yes | No | Every 5 years | No |
| Sigmoidoscopy | No | Usually some prep | Usually no | Every 5 years | Limited |
*Intervals shown are ACS 2026 preferred options for average-risk screening. An abnormal non-colonoscopy screening test needs timely colonoscopy. Blood-based screening is an ACS-recognized but non-preferred option when preferred stool or visual tests are declined or not completed.
Evidence
Primary sources for this page
American Cancer Society2026 colorectal cancer screening recommendationsCDCScreening for colorectal cancer
Medical content reviewed against these sources on September 5, 2026. External clinician review is still recommended before broad public promotion.