Which Method of Colorectal Cancer Screening is Right For You?

You have choices when it comes to your colorectal cancer screening. Doctors now recommend colon screening for those of us over the age of 45. If you’re younger than 45 and experiencing any of these common symptoms of colon cancer (e.g., change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, seeing blood in your stool), talk with your doctor about scheduling a screening.

Need another reason to get screened? If colorectal cancer is found before it has the chance to spread, the five-year relative survival rate is about 90%, according to the American Cancer Society. Therefore, if colorectal cancer is caught early, it’s incredibly treatable.

3 Types of Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Stool Tests

The proof is in the pooh, your pooh to be exact. A fecal occult blood test might be the most discreet way to initially screen for colorectal cancer but that doesn’t mean it’s the most effective. Although you can do the majority of the test within the comfort of your own home, the results may be limited, and further testing might be needed. After you send the test away per your doctor’s instructions, a lab will look for either small amounts of blood or cancer DNA in your stool. Any detected blood or DNA may be a sign something is not right. If that occurs, your doctor will inform you of the next necessary steps.

Colonoscopy

Perhaps the most well-known method for screening for colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy, tests at a level that a stool test simply cannot. During a colonoscopy, your doctor will look inside the entire length of your colon with a lighted, flexible scope for any polyps or abnormalities. If any such growths are found, your doctor will remove part or all of the growth to send it out to a lab for further testing. You must thoroughly cleanse your colon to prepare for a colonoscopy. You’ll likely be sedated for the duration of the exam.

Virtual Colonoscopy

A virtual colonoscopy requires the same preparation as a standard colonoscopy. You must also drink a special contrast liquid in addition to normal preparations. This special liquid will line your intestines and make for clearer X-ray imaging. You’re not normally sedated during the procedure. Your doctor will insert a thin tube into the rectum to inflate the colon with air and then take an X-ray via a CT scan. The final result is a series of 3D pictures of the inside of your colon that can help locate abnormalities. If any polyps or abnormalities are identified, you’ll be referred for a standard colonoscopy as a follow-up test.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is when it comes to your colon health, you have options. From staying active to eating the right foods, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to help lower your risk of colorectal cancer. The best form of prevention, however, is regular screening. There is a real benefit from early detection. Don’t wait. Talk with your doctor about screening today.

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