Screening examinations in the direction of cancer of large intestine provide hemoccult test (this test detects the trace amounts of blood, which do not change colour of stool), and in case of positive result - sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or radiological examinations. Endoscopic examinations (sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy) depend on insertion of flexible hose, equipped in optical devices through the anus and enable a visual evaluation of the walls of large intestine. Sigmoidoscope reaches a distance of 60 cm; however colonoscope helps to evaluate the whole large intestine. Collection of specimens to the histopathological examination to confirm the diagnosis is possible. These examinations help not only to detect early cancer of intestine, but also to remove small changes, being precancerous states.

In the United States in people after 50th year of life, occult test is recommended once years, sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, double contrast X-ray examination of intestine and colonoscopy every 5-10 years.

Colonoscopy seems to be the most effective, but expensive method, not always fully efficient, and sometimes also not accepted by patients.

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