Colorectal cancer screening
Screening can find early signs of colorectal cancer and identify polyps before they cause symptoms, helping you and your doctor act sooner.
Why screening matters
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and preventable forms of cancer. It usually begins with tiny growths, called polyps, inside the colon or rectum. While many of these are harmless, some can slowly develop into cancer if left undetected. The good news is that routine screening can catch these changes before they become serious. In many cases, early detection through screening allows for quick treatment and can help avoid the need for more complex procedures later.
Colorectal screening is one of the most effective tools for preventing cancer altogether. By removing polyps before they become cancerous, and by identifying early-stage cancers when they’re most treatable, we can significantly reduce the risk of serious illness.
Finding cancer at an earlier stage can also give you and your doctor more treatment options. The right time and type of screening depends on your age, medical history, and individual risk.
Who should consider screening?
Routine screening starts from age 40. You may need to discuss screening earlier or in more detail if you have additional risk factors. You’re likely eligible if you have no current symptoms, such as unexplained bleeding, persistent abdominal pain or weight loss (which might need separate diagnostic tests), and haven’t had a colonoscopy within the last 10 years (or more recently if you’ve had abnormal results before).
It’s a good idea to have this conversation with your doctor. They will help you understand your personal risk factors and choose the right time and method to start screening. If you’re unsure, you can give us a call, and we’ll help you figure it out.
Consider colorectal screening if any of the following apply to you.
What are my screening options?
Mediclinic Middle East provides two safe and reliable methods for colorectal screening. Your doctor will help you choose the most suitable test based on your age, risk level, and medical history.
Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
Colonoscopy
What is a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)?
A simple, at-home test that detects hidden (occult) blood in your stool. It’s non-invasive, does not require any dietary changes, and can be done in your own time. Most people need to complete the FIT screening once a year.
What happens during your test:
- We’ll provide a small kit that you take home
- It includes instructions and materials to collect a small stool sample
- Once you’ve completed the test, return it to the clinic for analysis
- Results are generally available within a few working days
FIT screening package
Our FIT Screening Package is for people over 40 who want to be proactive about colorectal cancer screening. It’s discounted to AED 175 during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March. Family Medicine patients aged 40+ can get a free FIT kit. Call 800 2033 to arrange screening.
Before your FIT screening
- Wash your hands before and after sample collection.
- Ensure you complete the consent form in the kit in order for the lab to be able to process your sample. Return the sample as soon as possible after passing stool, ideally within three hours and no later than 24 hours.
You should not get tested if you have:
- A current/previous diagnosis of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s/ulcerative colitis), active rectal bleeding, loose bloody stools or a strong family history of colorectal cancer. Speak to your doctor about a colonoscopy instead.
- Undergone a colonoscopy in the last 10 years.
How to use your FIT test kit
Step 1: Consent Form
Step 2: Pass Stool
Prepare a clean surface to catch your stool. You can use:
Option 1: Plastic wrap stretched across the toilet bowl, secured under the seat
Option 2: A clean, disposable container (such as a plastic tub or paper cup)
Option 3: Several layers of toilet paper placed on top of the water in the toilet bowl
Do not let the stool come into contact with urine or toilet water.
Step 3: Collect Stool Sample
Step 4: Package
What is a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is a more comprehensive procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera to inspect the inside of your colon. During the procedure, the doctor can remove any polyps or abnormal areas for testing. Colonoscopies should be done every 10 years if no issues are found; if polyps were removed or your risk is higher, your doctor may suggest more frequent screenings.
What happens during your test:
- The day before the procedure, you’ll follow a special diet and take a laxative to clean out your bowel
- On the day, you’ll be given light sedation to help you stay comfortable
- A doctor will insert a flexible camera through the rectum to view the colon
- If any polyps or unusual growths are found, they may be removed immediately
- The procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and you’ll need someone to accompany you home afterwards
Recovery and results
- After FIT screening: There’s no downtime. You can go about your usual activities immediately
- After colonoscopy: You might feel gassy or a bit tired, especially after the sedation. Most people feel back to normal within a few hours
Your doctor will typically share your results within 15 working days, and let you know what to expect next.
Understanding your results
Normal result: you’ll be advised when your next routine screening is due.
Abnormal result: this doesn’t necessarily mean cancer. You might need further tests, such as another colonoscopy, a biopsy or imaging studies, depending on what was found.
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Meet our experts
Our family medicine doctors can help you understand when to screen, choose between FIT and colonoscopy, and explain what any result means for your next step.
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Our doctors are here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and make sure you feel informed every step of the way. Early detection can make a real difference - book a consultation today.