As we age, we learn that the importance of our colon health seems to be a more frequent topic of discussion.
Some people tend to shy away from the conversation, but it’s something everyone must understand the importance of. Regular colorectal cancer screening is so important to detect colorectal cancer at its earliest stage -- when it’s treatable and even curable.
One of the reasons people seem to shy away from this discussion, experts say, is because of the prep that’s involved ahead of a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening.
There are also factors like taking time off work, getting transportation to and from the procedure -- due to sedation -- and the cost (covered by insurance or not), to name a few.
Dr. Alexandria Glenn, a colorectal surgeon at Henry Ford Health, said people have more options than they used to when it comes to screening.
“Colonoscopy is still the best option to diagnose colorectal cancer and find precancerous polyps, but at-home tests can be beneficial for those who are at average risk,” she said.
At-home tests can also be helpful for anyone who has limiting medical conditions or limited mobility that might make it difficult to complete the test prep that’s required for a colonoscopy.
It’s important to note that you should not use an at-home test if you are at high risk of colorectal cancer. These can include:
- A family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps.
- A personal history of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- A personal history of precancerous polyps.
- A family history of any inherited colorectal cancer syndrome, such as Lynch syndrome.
You should always talk to your doctor about when is the best time to begin your colonoscopy screening and how often you should get it done.
You should also skip at-home screenings and opt for a colonoscopy if you’re experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms like blood in your stool, a change in bowel movements or abdominal pain.
At-home screening options
With at-home screening kits, there’s little-to-no prep. Some are as simple as sending stool samples to a lab. So, what are your options?
According to Henry Ford Health, while there are options, they all must be prescribed by a physician.
- Cologuard. This option detects microscopic blood in the stool, along with DNA changes that happen when you have a precancerous polyp. There are no dietary restrictions required, and, if your results are normal, you can use Cologuard every three years for screening.
- Colon capsules. An up-and-coming option is a pill that contains a small camera. After ingested, the camera records footage of the bowels to detect polyps and cancer. This option is reserved for people who can’t do colonoscopy or stool tests.
- Fecal immunochemical test. This test looks for small amounts of blood that could dignify colorectal cancer or large precancerous polyps. If you receive a normal result, this test can be taken annual for cancer screening.
- Fecal occult blood test. This test looks for blood in your stool that could signify colorectal cancer or large precancerous polyps. However, it won’t detect smaller polyps that aren’t bleeding. This test can detect blood from anywhere in the digestive tract, so even if you receive an abnormal result, that doesn’t necessarily mean a colorectal cancer diagnosis.
Glenn said if any at-home test results are abnormal, you would then want to undergo a colonoscopy for diagnosis.
“An abnormal or positive test doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer,” she said. “For example, Cologuard will give you an abnormal result if you have a precancerous polyp, which we’ll need to remove with colonoscopy.”
Doctors and health experts agree that, if you are at risk for colorectal cancer, you should begin colorectal cancer screenings at the age of 45. When deciding on the best screening for you, the best thing you can do is discuss it with your doctor.
“Research shows that if patients are given a chance to participate in a discussion of their preferred screening method, they’re more likely to be compliant, instead of a doctor just telling them what to do,” Glenn said. “The whole point is to do something. If you’re nervous about colonoscopy, please consider an at-home test. At the end of the day, it’s so important to complete regular screenings, whether that’s an at-home test or colonoscopy.”
To learn more about colorectal cancer screening, visit HenryFord.com.