To urge more men and women to get tested for colon cancer, medical experts have recommended that doctors offer a virtual colonoscopy—a less invasive method—along with a stool DNA test to test for polyps and cancerous lesions.

An estimated 108,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2008. As with most diseases, early diagnosis is key. In addition to the virtual colonoscopy and the DNA stool test, there are four other recommended tests: Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every five years), colonoscopy (every ten years), double contrast barium enema (every five years), virtual colonoscopy (every five years). Talk to your doctor or health care provider about which one is best for you.

Read the National Cancer’s booklet What You Need to Know About Cancer of the Colon and Rectum for more information.