Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Americans, in part because its signs can be very subtle until it reaches a more advanced stage. Regular screening plays a vital role in catching colorectal cancer early, sometimes even before abnormal tissue growths have a chance to become cancerous.
Today, there are two options for colorectal cancer screening: stool tests and colonoscopy. In this post, the team at Desert West Surgery reviews each type to help you understand which test is a better choice for your health, so you can play a more proactive role in preventing cancer and staying healthy, especially as you get older.
Stool tests use a sample of your stool to look for signs of colorectal cancer. There are two types of stool tests: the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which looks for traces of blood in your stool, and the stool DNA test, which checks for unusual DNA changes associated with cancer.
For a stool test, we provide you with a special kit to collect a small stool sample at home. Using the provided mailer, you send the stool sample to a lab where it’s tested. The lab sends us the results, and our team shares them with you. Together, we decide if you need additional testing based on your results.
Most people prefer stool tests over colonoscopies because they’re non-invasive, require no preparation beforehand, and can be performed at home. These tests need to be performed more frequently than colonoscopies — typically every 1-3 years, depending on the type of test.
Colonoscopy utilizes a specialized, flexible scope to visualize the inside of your rectum and colon. The scope features a lighted camera capable of sending real-time, highly detailed images of your colon lining to a videoscreen, so your doctor can monitor your exam and check for abnormal tissue. If abnormal tissue is identified, we can remove it during your exam so it can be tested in a lab.
Colonoscopy is performed under sedation, which means you’ll nap through the entire procedure. Afterward, you’ll have some temporary bloating — that’s because we pump air into your colon to make it easier to view.
And yes, the day before your screening, you’ll have to “prep” your bowel with a powerful laxative. Many people dread the prep more than the screening itself, but there are some simple things you can do to make the experience more pleasant.
Colonoscopy is far more thorough in examining the bowel compared to a stool test. In fact, colonoscopy is so effective at identifying colorectal cancer early that it’s considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. Most people need a colonoscopy every 10 years, but if you have risk factors for cancer, you may need to be screened more often.
If stool tests don’t require prep or invasive scoping, why not use them for everyone? The answer is simple: Because stool testing, while convenient, is typically only appropriate for people at average risk of colon cancer.
Colonoscopy is better at detecting early, subtle signs of colorectal cancer, making it a better option for most people with risk factors for colorectal cancer, including people who:
Ultimately, our team reviews your risk factors and recommends the screening method that’s best for you.
Regardless of which method you use, the American Cancer Society recommends screening beginning at age 45 — earlier if you have a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
Nobody wants to think about cancer, but taking steps to prevent it is essential — and regular screening is a part of that process. To learn more about available screening options and determine which choice is best for your health, call Desert West Surgery to schedule a visit at the Las Vegas location nearest you.
