Colorectal Cancer Screening in Daly City, San Francisco
The Center of Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Health (CDCH) provides accurate and comprehensive colorectal cancer screening in Daly City, San Francisco. Our board-certified specialists use colonoscopy, FIT kits, stool DNA tests, CT colonography, and sigmoidoscopy to detect polyps and early-stage cancer before symptoms appear and protect your long-term colon health.
What Is Colorectal Cancer Screening and Why Is It Important?
Colorectal cancer screening is a preventive medical examination. It checks the colon and rectum for cancer or precancerous polyps. It is designed for early detection because colorectal cancer often begins silently.
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Removing precancerous polyps can significantly reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Early detection improves survival, and early detection improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. Late detection makes treatment harder and lowers the chances of long-term survival.
Importance of Regular Screening for Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer screening is an ongoing preventive process rather than a one-time test and should be repeated over time. Polyps can grow between tests, and your risk can change with age, diet, and lifestyle. Regular checks help our broad-certified specialists detect problems early and helps reduce the risk of delayed detection. People who screen consistently have a lower risk of advanced colorectal cancer.
Our goal is help reduce cancer risk by identifying and removing precancerous polyps early.
What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages, which is why routine screening is essential. However, when symptoms do appear, they may include:
If symptoms are present, testing is no longer considered screening. It becomes a diagnostic evaluation to identify the cause and check for more advanced disease.
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Changes in stool shape, size, or bowel habits
Blood in the stool
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Persistent fatigue
How We Do Colorectal Cancer Screening?
Colorectal Cancer Screening methods fall into two main categories. Stool-based tests are done at home, while Direct visualization procedures are performed in the facility. Both methods provide accurate results, and our team guides you through each option.
1. Colorectal Cancer Screening At-Home
- You collect a small stool sample at home using the provided kit.
- You mail the sealed sample to a certified lab for analysis.
- Our doctor reviews your results and contacts you within one to two weeks.
- If the result is positive, our team schedules an in-office colonoscopy to confirm the findings.
2. In-Office Direct Visualization Procedures
- Our specialists insert a thin, flexible camera into the colon to examine its lining.
- Any polyps found are removed immediately during the same appointment
- Patients receive sedation and remain comfortable throughout the procedure
When Does Colorectal Cancer Screening Start and Who Needs It?
The recommended colorectal cancer screening age for average-risk adults starts at 45 and continues through age 75. Certain patients face a higher risk and may need to start screening as early as age 40. The following factors make colorectal screening a must,
Medical History & Genetics
- A personal history of polyps
- Ulcerative colitis
- A family history of colorectal cancer
- Crohn's disease
- Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
Lifestyle Factors
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Heavy alcohol use
- Smoking
- A diet high in red and processed meats
Metabolic & Other Health Indicators
- People with Type 2 diabetes
- Chronic inflammation and poor metabolic health
- Concerning symptoms that require early evaluation
Services We Offer for Colorectal Cancer Screening in Daly City, San Francisco
At CDCH, we provide the full range of recommended colorectal cancer screening options. Our team reviews your medical history and risk profile to recommend the most appropriate service for your individual situation.
Colonoscopy
We guide a thin, flexible camera through your entire colon to examine its lining for polyps or abnormal tissue. If we find any polyps, we remove them immediately during the same visit, so you do not need a second appointment.
We personalize your preparation with lower-volume solutions, pill-based options, or better-tasting liquids to improve comfort and ensure accurate results. If your results are normal, we generally recommend repeat screening in 10 years.
Colorectal Cancer Screening vs Colonoscopy
Colorectal cancer screening includes several options, including stool-based tests, CT colonography, and colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is the best screening test for colorectal cancer. It allows us to examine the entire colon and remove polyps during the same procedure.
Other options, such as stool-based tests or CT colonography, are less invasive. Any abnormal result requires a follow-up colonoscopy for confirmation and treatment.
FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test)
We provide the FIT, an easy at-home colorectal cancer screening kit that requires no dietary changes or bowel preparation. You collect a small stool sample and mail it to our certified laboratory. We detect hidden blood in the stool, which may indicate polyps or early cancer, and we review your results within one to two weeks. If the result is positive, we schedule a follow-up colonoscopy. We recommend FIT annually.
FIT-DNA (Stool DNA Test)
We provide the advanced FIT-DNA test, which analyzes your stool for both hidden blood and abnormal DNA changes that may indicate precancerous or cancerous growths. This test is more sensitive than FIT alone and is performed every one to three years. We review the results with you and recommend follow-up care if needed.
CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)
We use low-dose CT colonography to create detailed 3D images of your colon without inserting a scope. This non-invasive option is repeated every five years and works well for patients who cannot tolerate sedation. You still need bowel preparation, and if we detect any polyps, we perform a follow-up colonoscopy to remove them.
Sigmoidoscopy
We perform flexible sigmoidoscopy to examine the lower third of your colon, including the sigmoid colon and rectum. This procedure requires a shorter preparation than a colonoscopy and does not require full sedation. Because it does not examine the entire colon, we usually pair it with annual FIT testing. We recommend sigmoidoscopy every five to ten years.
How Often Should You Screen for Colorectal Cancer?
| Test Type | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
|
Colonoscopy |
Every 10 years |
|
Stool DNA (FIT-DNA) |
Every 3 years |
|
CT Colonography |
Every 5 years |
|
Sigmoidoscopy |
Every 5–10 years |
Why Choose CDCH for Colorectal Cancer Screening in Daly City, San Francisco
At CDCH, we understand that choosing the right clinic matters. Our commitment is to provide safe, effective, and compassionate screening care tailored to each patient.
Our board-certified colorectal cancer screening doctors provide expert screening for patients at all risk levels.
We offer the full range of screening options, from colonoscopy to at-home FIT kits.
We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Cigna, Fidelis Care, Beacon, and Carelon.
We take time to explain all available screening options so you can choose what is best for your health and comfort.
We ensure close monitoring and regular follow-up to track your results over time.
Our clinic complies with HIPAA to protect your privacy at every step.
We welcome self-referrals and new patients with convenient scheduling
Meet Our Team
Our specialists at CDCH bring expertise and compassion to every patient. Our team works closely with you to manage your screening schedule, interpret results, and support your long-term colorectal health.
Board Certified
All providers meet the highest standards of care
Same-Week Appointments
Quick access to expert care when you need it
Local to Bay Area
Serving Daly City, San Francisco & surrounding areas
Serving Patients in Daly City, San Francisco
CDCH provides accessible, patient-focused colorectal cancer screening in Daly City, San Francisco. Our clinic is easy to reach and makes every visit comfortable, private, and efficient.
FAQs About Colorectal Cancer Screening in Daly City, San Francisco
Silent polyps are dangerous, detect them early
- Same-week appointments available
- Board-Certified Specialists
- Personalized Treatment Plans