Inside the Toolbox: An Overview of CRC Screening Methods

In this session, PA Antequera walks through the different colorectal cancer screening methods available to patients. She explains the differences between stool-based tests, direct visualization options like colonoscopy, and the emerging blood-based test, highlighting their sensitivity, specificity, and recommended screening intervals.

PA Antequera emphasizes that while non-invasive tests offer convenience, positive results still require a colonoscopy for confirmation. She underscores the importance of helping patients understand their options so screening can be both effective and accessible.

Key Takeaways:

Patients have options for CRC screening, some tests are stool based, and others use direct visualization.
The frequency for testing depends upon the specificity and sensitivity of the method chosen.
For any non-colonoscopy test, a positive screening result must be followed with a colonoscopy.

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Speaker

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Carol Antequera, DMSc, PA-C

References and Additional Resources:

Exact Sciences. The Cologuard Plus^TM Test: The FDA Approved Next-Generation Multi-target Stool DNA Test. exactsciences.com. March 2025. Accessed August 14, 2025. https://www.exactsciences.com/-/media/project/exactcore/exactacademy/documents/cologuard-plus-infographic-fda-label-2500033-v20-ea-final-4325.pdf?rev=d6bfc1dbc3fb4fd79d93d9b87d0870f6&hash=4785A431D7FF16D5EF7B1D4803C599F4

Maida M, Dahiya DS, Shah YR, et al. Screening and surveillance of colorectal cancer: A review of the literature. Cancers (Basel). 2024;16(15):2746. doi:10.3390/cancers16152746

Schottinger JE, Jensen CD, Ghai NR, et al. Association of physician adenoma detection rates with postcolonoscopy colorectal cancer. JAMA. 2022;327(21):2114-2122. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.6644

Shield for Providers. Shield^TM by Guardant Health. Published December 20, 2024. Accessed August 14, 2025. https://shieldcancerscreen.com/hcp/shield-for-providers/

Shield^TM for HCPs. Shield^TMby Guardant Health. Published June 1, 2024. Accessed August 14, 2025. https://shieldcancerscreen.com/hcp/

US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, Barry MJ, et al. Screening for colorectal cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement: US preventive services task force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.6238

Supported by

Carol Antequera, DMSc, PA-C

Carol Antequera, MMS, DMSc, PA-C is a distinguished physician assistant specializing in gastroenterology with over a decade of clinical experience. She earned her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Nova Southeastern University in 2010 and a Doctor of Medical Science from the University of Lynchburg in 2021. Carol currently practices at the University of Miami where she focuses on gastrointestinal motility disorders and is recognized for her leadership, collaborative patient care, and advocacy for health equity and the advancement of advanced practice providers (APPs).