Treatments & Services

If you remember these, it's time.

Colon cancer is often preventable when caught early and with regular screenings. Whether you're turning 45 or are well into your "greatest hits" years, talk with your doctor about the right screening options for you.

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Natanya's Story

In this short video, Natanya Levitz shares how a colon cancer screening saved her life.

Types of screening options

Early detection is the key to preventing pre-cancerous lesions, also known as adenoma polyps, from developing into cancer. Screenings give doctors the ability to find these polyps, remove them and prevent cancer from forming. We offer three effective options to screen for colorectal cancer.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy uses a scope to look for and remove abnormal growths in the colon and rectum.

Colonoscopies are recommended every 5-10 years, depending on your risk profile.

A colonoscopy is considered a minimally invasive procedure.

Full bowel preparation, including fasting and laxatives, is required before a colonoscopy.

You can anticipate 1-2 days of prep time including bowel preparation. The procedure itself takes approximately 30 minutes. You will not be allowed to drive afterward so you will need to make arrangements for a friend or family member to drive you home.

Your Atlantic Health physician can prescribe a colonoscopy, and will arrange a call to schedule the procedure.

Most insurances cover colonoscopies, but it is advisable to call and confirm with your coverage provider.

Colonoscopies are performed at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center, Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center, Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center, Atlantic Health Newton Medical Center, Atlantic Health Hackettstown Medical Center, Atlantic Health CentraState Medical Center, and locations in Rockaway, Union and Bridgewater.

Multitarget stool DNA test (Cologuard®)

A multitarget stool DNA test (Cologuard®) works by finding abnormal DNA and blood in a stool sample.

A multi-target stool DNA test is recommended every 3 years.

This is a non-invasive test that can be done at home.

No preparation is required before using a multitarget stool DNA test.

The time it takes to complete the test is the time it takes to collect a stool sample.

Your physician can prescribe a multitarget stool DNA test for you. The test will be shipped to directly to your home.

Most insurances cover this type of test, but it is advisable to call and confirm with your coverage provider.

FIT or FOBT (fecal immunochemical test or fecal occult blood test)

Both the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) detect blood in the stool.

These tests should be done once a year.

Yes, the test is non-invasive and can be done at home.

No preparation is required for these tests.

The length of the test is the time it takes to collect a stool sample.

Your physician will provide you a prescription for these tests.

Most insurances cover this type of test, but it is advisable to call and confirm with your coverage provider.

expert opinion

A doctor's take on colorectal cancer

For Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we hosted a live, online conversation with gastroenterologist, Dr. Matthew Grossman. He discussed some of the important facts about colon cancer as well as the importance of regular screenings.

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