Are there any new screening tests for colorectal cancer?

Researchers are looking at two new screening tests for colorectal cancer, both of which detect polyps and cancers early. One test is called a virtual colonoscopy. A small tube is placed inside the rectum for less than 5 minutes (with a traditional colonoscopy, this process takes longer). Images are recorded and put into a computer using computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI or MR). The technician then looks at these recorded images to explore the rectum and colon for polyps and cancers. The other test is a stool test (like the FOBT), that looks for DNA, or genetic material, in the stool. Early data suggest that this stool test may be very accurate in picking up any problems, polyps, and cancers.