Differentiating between Screening and Diagnostic Colonoscopy

Cancer changes lives. It is the deadliest disease that takes millions of lives in a year. Colon cancer contributes to the second largest deaths of cancer-related deaths. Do you know it is preventable in most cases?

60% of people with colon cancer can avoid death with just a screening. Colonoscopy screening is used for both screening and diagnostic purposes. This article will show you the importance of different types of colonoscopy in detecting colorectal cancer at an early stage.

Who Is at the Risk of Developing Colon Cancer?

Adults with age more than 45 years are at risk of developing colon or rectal cancer. The risk factors for such development are multiverse. For colorectal cancer, it is hard to identify the symptoms. In some cases, it shows no signs until the last stage of cancer is developed. Now, you know the reason to consider screening for colorectal cancer.

Types of Colonoscopy Screening

The screening has two types, depending on your gastrointestinal (GI) history. Although the test may be similar, the final findings are different. Depending upon your GI-related problems, the colonoscopy is either screening or diagnostic. Previous GI issues, past colon or rectal cancer symptoms, or having family members with colon-related problems - are the factors determining the screening type.

Screening Colonoscopy

It is advised that an adult over 45 must do a screening colonoscopy once a decade. The regular screening with the stool is not revealing enough to check for cancer. Colon polyps which are significant early symptoms of colorectal cancer, cannot be identified with this. Only a proper colonoscopy by experts can identify colorectal cancer at an early stage. It may be a day’s discomfort, but a timely screening can save you from cancer. Your survival rate depends upon the time you choose for screening. You better hurry and book a screening colonoscopy today.

Diagnostic Colonoscopy

People already facing digestive issues with a history of colon polyps or related problems are at a higher risk of having colorectal cancer. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you are at a higher risk of developing it. So for people with these factors, colonoscopy screening is diagnostic. This screening is a surveillance-type colonoscopy that looks for cancer particles in them. A timely colonoscopy like this becomes a crucial factor for your survival in this case.

Other Differences of Screening and Diagnostic Colonoscopy

The effectiveness of colonoscopies is excellent. Be it screening or diagnostic; you know the importance of colonoscopy. Knowing the difference, you can check with your insurance; if it covers a screening or diagnostic colonoscopy. Now you can make informed decisions before renewing your insurance.

Don’t Be Late! Book Today at DDSI

You have learned the importance of timely screening for colorectal cancer. You can book expert screening facilities at Digestive Disease Specialists, Inc, without wasting time. Prevention comes at early detection. We are specialists in colonoscopy for treating cancer. You can book an appointment by telephone too. Visit our website to learn more about the screening methods.

**Disclaimer: This blog content does not intend to offer a doctor’s advice and mentions no relationship between any patient and the care provider.