The idea of colon cancer screening can feel scary or overwhelming. Many people put it off because they worry about discomfort, bowel prep, or missing work. A Stool DNA test offers a simpler way to get checked without an office procedure. But it does have limits.
A Stool DNA test is a screening option used to help find signs of colorectal cancer. It looks at a stool sample for warning signs of cancer or large precancerous polyps. Cologuard is a commonly known type of Stool DNA test. While this test can be helpful for some people, it does not replace a colonoscopy.
Stool DNA testing is used as a screening tool to detect signs of cancer or precancerous changes in the colon.
This test is generally recommended for adults at average risk for colorectal cancer who:
Stool DNA testing is recommended every three years if results remain normal.
As waste moves through your colon and rectum, cells from the lining naturally shed and pass into the stool. If cancer or large polyps are present, some of these cells may have abnormal DNA changes. A Stool DNA test checks for these DNA changes and for hidden blood, which can also be a sign that something may be wrong.
Stool DNA testing looks for two main things:
A positive result does not mean you have cancer, but it does mean that a colonoscopy is needed to find the cause of the abnormal finding.
DNA testing can be helpful. But it is not as effective as colonoscopy, which remains the best option for colorectal cancer screening. There are several reasons for this.
Stool DNA tests are better at detecting cancer than smaller or early-stage polyps. But some precancerous growths may be missed, especially if they are not shedding abnormal DNA.The test often misses advanced adenomas and other significant growths that need to be removed.
Colonoscopy allows doctors to find and remove polyps during the same procedure, stopping cancer before it starts. Stool DNA testing can only signal that something might be wrong. It cannot treat or prevent disease.
A stool DNA test may come back positive even when no cancer is present, leading to anxiety and additional testing. It can also miss some cancers or polyps, giving a false sense of reassurance.
If your stool DNA test is abnormal, a colonoscopy is necessary to confirm the result and identify the cause. In these cases, the test does not eliminate the need for a colonoscopy; it only delays it.
A colonoscopy lets the doctor see the entire colon and rectum. It is the most accurate test for finding colon cancer and precancerous polyps. During the same test, the doctor can remove polyps right away. This helps stop cancer before it starts. For people at average risk, a normal colonoscopy is usually done every 10 years.
Putting off colon cancer screening is common. Fear, stress, or a busy schedule can make it easy to delay. A Stool DNA test can feel like a smaller, easier first step. It lets you get checked at home and may help catch warning signs early. Still, it cannot find or remove polyps, which is why follow-up care matters.
Learning your screening options is an important step toward protecting your health. Staying up to date on screenings, eating well, staying active, and avoiding tobacco can all help lower your risk. Small steps taken now may help prevent bigger problems later.
The gastroenterologists in San Antonio can help you decide whether a Stool DNA test or a colonoscopy is right for you. They can also perform a colonoscopy to find and remove polyps before cancer starts.
If you are 45 or older, or have symptoms or concerns, don’t wait. Schedule a colonoscopy appointment in San Antonio today and take an important step toward peace of mind.
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