Does just thinking about getting a colonoscopy make you nervous? You aren’t alone.
Some people ignore screening recommendations due to fear or uncertainty about the test. In 2022, nearly 40% of U.S. adults aged 45-75 were not up to date with colorectal cancer screening, and roughly one-third had never been screened at all.
This last decade has seen a rise in colorectal cancer in younger people. The disease develops from abnormal growths (polyps) in the colon or rectum, which can be found through lifesaving screening tests like colonoscopy. Don’t let fear stop you from getting screened.
Colonoscopy still gold standard
“There are many options available for colorectal cancer screening, although colonoscopy remains the most accurate in screening for colon cancer and polyps. Additionally, we can remove precancerous polyps during your colonoscopy to prevent colorectal cancer,” said Daniel Jonas, MD, a gastroenterologist with Endeavor Health.
“We’ve also come a long way in making the prep and screening easier and much more comfortable for patients,” he added.
A screening colonoscopy should begin at age 45 or earlier depending on individual risk factors such as family history. Talk to your doctor about your risk.
At-home screening tests
For individuals at low risk, there is a less invasive screening option to look for polyps or cancer — and it can be done at home.
One type of at-home screening test is a DNA stool test. The only FDA approved stool DNA test, called Cologuard, can help find abnormalities in your stool that indicate cancer or polyps.
Here’s how it works: A Cologuard Collection Kit is shipped directly to your home. You collect a single stool sample using the kit, then send it to their science lab via a prepaid UPS shipping or pick-up. The results of the test are then sent to your doctor, who will contact you to discuss the next steps.
Unlike a regular colonoscopy, there is no special diet or bowel preparation (no laxatives or enemas) required. However, not everybody can have this type of screening test. A stool test is only for people with a low-average risk of colon or rectal cancer, and no personal history of precancerous polyps, colon or rectal cancer.
There are also some downsides to stool tests compared to colonoscopies:
- Stool tests are useful at detecting cancer, but precancerous polyps may go unnoticed.
- A colonoscopy detects and removes polyps immediately. If a stool test indicates cancer or precancer, a colonoscopy is needed to confirm it and remove any polyps.
- Stool tests typically need to be done on a frequent basis, whereas a colonoscopy may only be needed every 10 years, depending on an individual’s risk.
Ask your doctor
“It’s important to have a conversation with your doctor about when you should get screened,” said Dr. Jonas. Your doctor can help you determine the right screening test for you by discussing your family and medical history.
Don’t let the fear of a colonoscopy stop you from getting screened. Learn 4 tips to make colonoscopy prep easier.
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