For Physicians

Colorectal Cancer Screening

at the Berkeley Outpatient Center

3100 San Pablo Avenue, Suite 400, Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 985-5200 | Monday - Friday 8am-6pm

Colorectal cancers typically grow slowly and usually develop from non-cancerous colon polyps. This allows us the unique opportunity to not only identify colorectal cancer early, when it has a higher chance of cure, but to prevent it from developing in the first place. When a colon polyp is detected, it can usually be removed easily without the need for surgery and actually prevent a cancer from ever starting.

For this reason, the American Cancer Society recommends you begin routine colorectal cancer screening at age 45. This may need to begin earlier if you have risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer or other genetic conditions that may increase your risk. New symptoms, such as rectal bleeding, or unexplained weight loss or changes in bowel habits should always be discussed with your health care provider.

Certain factors such as smoking, high animal fat diet, alcohol intake, obesity and lack of regular physical activity may also increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Remember, colorectal cancer is not only highly treatable when caught early, but preventable.

We also offer genetic testing and counseling for patients who may be at hereditary risk for developing colorectal cancer. Once established, patients receive regular reminders when future colorectal screening tests are due.

PATIENTS
Call 510-985-5200 to learn more or schedule an appointment

PROVIDERS
Refer a patient

Visual Screening Tests

Colonoscopy: During this test, which is usually performed under sedation monitored by an anesthesiologist, the doctor gently inserts a thin, lighted flexible tube (colonoscope) into your rectum and guides it through the entire large intestine (colon) checking for polyps or other signs of cancerous growth. Images of the colon are viewed on a video screen. Polyps and other tissue samples may be removed and analyzed for further diagnosis. For individuals at average risk average risk, we recommend you undergo this procedure every ten years, beginning at age 45.

Colonoscopy is the only test that allows your doctor to see the entire colon and rectum and remove polyps. If something suspicious is found using any other screening tests, you will likely need a colonoscopy for follow up testing.

Our gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons perform colonoscopies in our state-of-the-art endoscopy suites using the latest technologies to ensure maximum safety and patient comfort.

The Affordable Care Act mandates that all insurance plans cover colorectal cancer screening, including colonoscopy, at recommended intervals. Some plans choose not to cover polyp removal under this screening provision and copays and deductibles may apply.

Stool Based Screening Tests

These simple stool-based tests are easily done at home. They check for blood in the stool that is usually not visible to the naked eye, a possible sign of colorectal cancer.

Fecal Immunochemical Test: Also known as a FIT test or FIT kit. This stool test is very sensitive for detecting tiny amounts of human blood in the stool. If the test is positive, a follow-up colonoscopy is required to determine the source of the bleeding. This test needs to be performed yearly.

FIT-fecal DNA test: This test is also called a multitarget DNA stool test (Cologuard®). It looks for both blood and DNA, or genetic material shed by cancerous tumors and some polyps in the stool. If your doctor detects an abnormality, a follow-up colonoscopy is required. The American Cancer Society recommends this as a second tier test for those unable or unwilling to undergo colonoscopy or FIT testing. It can be done every three years. It is much more expensive than FIT testing but is generally covered by health insurance plans. However, colonoscopy after a positive stool test may no longer qualify as “screening” and may be subject to deductibles and copays.

Open Access Screening

Open Access allows patients to schedule a screening colonoscopy without the need for a full in-person gastrointestinal consultation. Open Access is appropriate for healthy patients who have no serious medical conditions. If your provider feels you are eligible for Open Access, you will be asked a series of questions over the phone and if no contraindications are identified, you will be scheduled for a colonoscopy at one of our convenient facilities by one of a select group of highly skilled, board certified, gastroenterologists.

Who is eligible?

Healthy individuals 45 and older with no symptoms who are due for colorectal cancer screening
Individuals 40 and older with a family history of colorectal cancer or advanced colon polyps at an early age
Any individual with a personal history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps

Please contact the Berkeley Outpatient Center if you have any questions or need further information. Patients with major medical issues are advised to first meet with their physician.

Meet Our Team

Drew Schembre, MD
Gastroenterologist
Medical Director, Digestive Health Services
John Muir Health

Shireen Ghorbani, MD
Gastroenterologist
John Muir Health

Albert Bradley, NP
Nurse Practitioner
John Muir Health

Alice Choi, NP
Nurse Practitioner
John Muir Health

How to Refer

To refer a patient, please fax the following information to the desired fax number listed below:

Referral Form <will be linked when form is ready>
Insurance Authorization (if required)
Copy of insurance card, front & back
Any relevant clinic or hospitalization notes, diagnostic test results and imaging
Patient’s daytime contact information

Specialty Care Referrals Fax: 510.985.5202

About UCSF Health and John Muir Health

Our collaboration brings together two leading health systems for the benefit of you and your community.

Experience a new kind of medical care with access to top primary care providers, some of the world’s leading experts in a wide range of specialties, and support to help you navigate your health care journey.

We collaborate, share knowledge and coordinate your treatment so you receive the best possible care and expertise.