Colorectal Cancer Screening: When to Start, Colonoscopy vs Other Tests…
The Gastro Girl Podcast
03/25/26
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Colonoscopy is one of the most effective tools for preventing colorectal cancer—but it's not the only screening option. So how do you know when to get screened, which test to choose, and what to do next if results come back abnormal?
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet many people delay screening due to confusion or uncertainty.
In this Gastro Girl Podcast episode, developed in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Patient Care Committee, we're joined by leading gastroenterologist Dr. Aasma Shaukat (NYU Langone Health) and member of the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer.
Dr. Shaukat breaks down colorectal cancer screening in a clear, practical way so you can make informed decisions and take the right next steps with confidence.
What you'll learn:- When to start colorectal cancer screening—and who should start earlier
- Why colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults
- How family history affects your screening plan
- Colonoscopy vs stool-based tests—what's the difference
- What abnormal or incomplete results actually mean
- Why follow-up testing is critical to prevention
- How to advocate for the care you nee
Early detection saves lives. Completing colorectal cancer screening—including follow-up after abnormal results—can prevent cancer before it starts.
This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your individual care.
Explore more trusted digestive health resources:Visit GastroGirl.com or download the Ask Gastro Girl app for evidence-based digestive health guidance you can trust.
Previous Episode
For years, Samantha adapted quietly. She chewed longer, sipped water with every bite, avoided certain foods, and assumed the discomfort was just reflux.
It wasn't.
In this patient voice episode, Samantha shares the moment she realized something more serious was happening — and how that journey led to a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).
She opens up about the subtle symptoms many people overlook, the daily adjustments she made without realizing it, and what finally pushed her to seek answers.
If swallowing sometimes feels harder than it should, this story may sound familiar.
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your symptoms or condition.
This educational initiative was developed with support from Takeda.
Next Episode
Barrett's esophagus can develop silently in people with chronic acid reflux (GERD)—and many don't realize their risk until after diagnosis.
In this episode of Gastro Girl, Robin shares her powerful, real-life journey from ongoing reflux symptoms to a diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus—and how that moment changed everything.
Like many patients, Robin faced confusion, fear, and unanswered questions about what her diagnosis meant and what to do next. After learning more about Barrett's esophagus, including risk factors, monitoring, and emerging tools like TissueCypher, she felt empowered to take a more active role in her care and have informed conversations with her healthcare team.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- What Barrett's esophagus is and how it relates to GERD
- Common symptoms and warning signs patients often overlook
- What a diagnosis means for cancer risk and monitoring
- How patient education can transform fear into action
- Why self-advocacy matters in digestive health care
Robin's story is a reminder that knowledge can change your path—and your outcomes.
If you experience chronic heartburn or reflux, this episode offers important insights to help guide your next conversation with your doctor.
This educational series is supported by Castle Biosciences. Robin's story reflects her personal experience. Gastro Girl provides evidence-based information to support informed patient-provider conversations and does not offer medical advice.
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