Colon Cancer Screening Tests offer Patients Options |Healthy You

Don't let the anxiety of a colonoscopy keep you from completing a colon cancer screening. You now have other options to gather this lifesaving information.

"A colorectal screening is the best way to detect the disease early when it's the most treatable," says Dr. William A. Hackworth, a gastroenterologist with Riverside Health System. "It's important to talk to your doctor and find out what type of screening will work best for you."

The American Cancer Society advises starting at age 45 for someone with an average risk. Your primary care provider can help you determine when to start your screenings.

Learning more about the pros and cons for colon cancer screening options can prepare you to discuss what's right for you with your doctor.

Stool-based tests

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) — This test looks for hidden blood in stool but through different methods of testing after the patient gathers small samples through a colorectal cancer screening kit.

Pros: Done at home, noninvasive, no bowel prep.
Cons: False positive results. Can miss some polyps/cancers. Must be done yearly.

Stool Based DNA test — This test looks for DNA mutations from colon cancer or polyp cells.

Pros: Done at home, non invasive, no bowel prep. Every three years if tests come back normal.
Cons: False positive. Can miss some polyps/cancers.

Visual/structural exams

Colonoscopy— A colonoscopy identifies polyps of cancer in the rectum and colon with a small lighted tube.

Pros: Screens entire length of colon. The doctor can biopsy or remove a polyp during the exam, if needed. Every 10 years.
Cons: Bowel prep, sedation. Can't eat or drink anything after a certain time the night before the test.

For any tests other than a colonoscopy that shows a positive result, a colonoscopy will be required as a follow-up test.

Are you due (or overdue) for a colon cancer screening? Please talk to your primary care physician.

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