Other alternatives

The following are some of the other screening methods for colorectal cancer that are sometimes used in Canada:

The double contrast barium enema (DCBE) test is not used as often today as it once was. For this test, a liquid containing barium sulfate is inserted into the rectum (along with air to expand the colon) where it can spread throughout the colon and can then be imaged by a series of X-rays. 

Sigmoidoscopy is similar to colonoscopy, but the scope reaches only the lower part of the colon.

Virtual colonoscopy (also known as “CT colonography”) uses a CT scan or special X-ray equipment to visualize the colon and rectum. This technology produces 3-dimensional images of the colon and rectum. If colorectal polyps or abnormalities are found, a traditional colonoscopy is performed.