Compared to other cancer types, colorectal cancer is quite preventable. So why is it ranked the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined? People continue to put off getting their colonoscopy, the most effective screening method for colon cancer. Or, they write it off altogether.
There are a number of reasons people try to avoid a colonoscopy. For one, the prep process can be inconvenient and unpleasant. Two, is that undergoing general anesthesia usually requires patients to take time off work and get a ride to the test site.
Without the early detection and prevention measures that screenings provide, colon cancer may advance. Luckily, there’s a new [FDA-approved] product on the market: the at-home screening for colon cancer. Marketed as a more comfortable alternative to the traditional colonoscopy, these are kits with instructions on how to take a stool sample that are mailed to your home.
A traditional colonoscopy still stands as the gold standard in early detection of colon cancer. During a colonoscopy, colorectal surgeons can be as thorough as possible, because they examine the colon for cancerous growths themselves.
At-home colon cancer screenings, on the other hand, rely on the science of stool DNA. As your stool passes through the colon, it picks up cells – these could be cancerous or normal. DNA tests run on your sample may detect low levels of hemoglobin, which can signal abnormal growths or colorectal cancer.
Research shows, however, that home tests can present false positives, meaning colon cancer is suspected when it’s not actually there, so it’s important to bear that in mind when deciding on an at-home screening. If the results do come back positive for signs of colorectal cancer, a patient would likely have to undergo a traditional colonoscopy anyway to confirm whether or not they have colorectal cancer.
If you’re not sure which option would be best for you, discuss this with your primary care doctor. They can help you determine which test is right for you based on your individual risk factors and health history. They will order the test for you and provide you with a referral to a specialist if colorectal cancer is detected.
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