The American Cancer Society estimates colorectal cancer numbers will reach over 150,000 cases in the US this year. It remains the third leading cause of cancer deaths.
Colorectal cancer refers to cancers that occur in the colon or the rectum. It’s commonly shortened to simply colon cancer.
Despite its higher death rate among cancers, colorectal cancer is often preventable with screening using one of several methods, but the “gold standard” of screening methods is the colonoscopy.
Early screening can find and remove potentially cancerous growths called polyps. Not all polyps become colorectal cancer, but most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp. Polyps found early before they become cancerous, can be easily removed.
Finding polyps early is the key to preventing colorectal cancer.
A colonoscopy isn’t the only way to detect colon cancer. There are several other methods. Some are less invasive than others. Each test has pros and cons, and each person’s history, risks, and preferences are unique and will help their doctor recommend the best option.
Learning more about the tests offered can help you make an informed decision since some of the tests that sound easier or better have some significant drawbacks.
Stool tests are the least invasive of the colon cancer screening methods. They analyze a stool sample for the presence of blood or altered DNA that might indicate a problem. You collect the stool sample yourself using a special kit at home. You then send the test kit containing the sample to your doctor or a lab for testing.
Depending on the type of test kit and your doctor’s recommendations, you may need to repeat the test every 1-3 years.
If the lab finds blood or altered DNA in the sample, you will need a follow-up colonoscopy to investigate the cause. And because that colonoscopy will now be considered diagnostic, you’ll likely have to pay co-pays or deductibles.
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an internal test very similar to a colonoscopy, except it is shorter and allows your doctor to examine a smaller portion of your colon. During a sigmoidoscopy, your doctor uses a thin, short, flexible tube with a lighted end to examine your rectum and the lower section of your colon.
Depending on the results and your doctor’s recommendation, you may need to repeat the test every 5-10 years and do a non-invasive stool test every year in between.
If your doctor discovers polyps during the sigmoidoscopy they can be removed, but you’ll need a follow-up colonoscopy to examine the portion of your colon that’s unreachable by a sigmoidoscopy.
A virtual colonoscopy is a test that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the colon. They are displayed on a computer screen where your doctor can examine them. It’s called “virtual” because the images are taken from outside your body.
A virtual colonoscopy requires the same type of preparation as a standard colonoscopy. The bowel must be completely empty to have a successful screening.
Like stool tests and sigmoidoscopy, you may need a follow-up colonoscopy if the CT shows polyps.
A colonoscopy is by far the most effective way to detect polyps or cancer in the rectum and colon. During a colonoscopy, a flexible tube longer than that used in a sigmoidoscopy is used to examine the lining of your rectum and entire colon. The tube has a lighted end, camera, and small tool to remove polyps and some cancers.
If your colon is free of polyps, and you don’t have any factors that increase your risk for colon cancer, you may only need a colonoscopy every ten years.
A colonoscopy is the single most effective way to prevent colon cancer and save lives.
Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps. They don’t always turn into cancer, but when they do, it tends to take many years. If your doctor can find those polyps before they have a chance to develop into cancer, it can be prevented. Even if cancerous growths are found, treatment is often successful when they are discovered early enough.
Stool tests can only detect possible signs of cancer but can’t find or remove polyps. Additionally, stool tests may completely miss a cancerous tumor until it is advanced. In other words, you could have a negative stool test, but have colon cancer growing inside you. That won’t happen with a colonoscopy.
A sigmoidoscopy can find and remove polyps, but only in a small section of the colon. There could be polyps or cancer in a different part of the colon that would be missed entirely. A colonoscopy, however, can examine the entire colon and rectum for polyps and remove them.
Virtual colonoscopies are often not quite detailed enough to find small polyps or tumors, which may start out as a rough spot on the lining of the colon. Doctors can spot these types of growths during a colonoscopy and address them at the same time.
The truth about colonoscopies and colon cancer is that it’s the only option to find and prevent cancer with a single procedure. A colonoscopy can give you the peace of mind that other colorectal screenings can’t.
Don’t delay your colonoscopy if you are 45 or older – schedule an appointment today!
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