Convenience
Some screening methods are more or less convenient than others. The 
indicates the most convenient test(s).
Colonoscopy
- The test is performed in a hospital or specialized medical center.
- The test itself takes 15 to 60 minutes to complete but the entire process may take 2-3 hours.
- You must rest for a short time afterward.
- Someone must take you home.
- You must restrict your normal activities for the rest of the day.
Virtual Colonoscopy
- The test is done in a hospital or specialized medical center.
- The test itself takes less than 15 minutes to complete but the entire process may take 2-3 hours.
- You can return to your normal activities after the test is over.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- The test is done in a doctor’s office or at a hospital.
- The test itself takes about 10 to 20 minutes to complete.
- You can return to your normal activities after the test is over.
Barium Enema
- The test is done at a hospital.
- The test itself takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
- You can return to your normal activities after the test is over.
FOBT
- The test is done at home, using a kit.
- The amount of time needed depends on how long it takes you to collect stool from one or three consecutive bowel movements (the number of samples varies depending on the type of test that is ordered).
Stool DNA Test
- The test is done at home, using a kit.
- You collect one stool sample and send it to a lab.