How to Conduct Screening at Home for Colonoscopy?
An estimated 50,000 fatalities a year are caused by colorectal cancer. However, one of the most widely treated forms of cancer is that it is also early detected.
Screening can actually prevent the disease in many cases.
"Several individuals with average risks of colorectal cancer are recommending health authorities such as the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to commence colon cancer screening at 45 years of age," says colonoscopy specialists of OKC.
Unfortunately, only approximately half of Americans adhere to the recommended timetable. One reason for the low absorption was the colonoscopy of the gold standard examination, which involves the hourly rapidity and taking a powerful bowel clearing substance - a somewhat uneasy "bowel preparation." Other obstacles include fear that you will get sedated, you will have to take time off and you will not be able to take the test.
However, colorectal tests for cancer screening begin to reduce the rate of the affected patients. These tests are safe, efficient and require nearly zero pre-test preparations. Moreover, the comfort of your home can make them.
Options for Home Screening
Every day, your colon throws cells lining the colon into your stool, which can often lead to cancerous changes which you can find in the home stool trials. For people not able or willing to do the bowel preparation needed for colonoscopy, home test sets can detect early colon cancer lesions somewhat successfully. And studies suggest the association of these fecal blood tests with increased test rates.
Although three types of home colon cancer screening test are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), only two are widely used for ease and efficacy. Patients may apply for the test they want, but it is important to note that insurance is not covered for each at-home kit.
• FIT: The fecal immunochemical test or FIT uses anticuerpos for blood detection in the stuff and is 79% accurate for colon cancer detection. Everything you must do: Have a bowel movement, gather some fecal matter and send it to the laboratory for analysis. This kit includes everything from instructions and a faecal collection swab to a sterile container and a special mailing cover. Most insurance companies have FIT simple, seamless, and covered.
The inconvenience: As polyps cannot bleed during the test and blood in the stool to identify cancer is used for the test, patients must repeat FIT each year. And if the FIT test returns positive, a colonoscopy is still required. Another disadvantage: The FIT test is prone to false positives, and additional research through a colonoscopy requires a positive result
• Cologuard: Cologuard has a more priced option than FIT, and it is 92% precise in colorectal cancer detection. Cologuard not only looks for blood in the stool, but also for DNA markers for colon cancer and precancer polyps.
The disadvantages are that Cologuard tests should be repeated every three years, and insurance does not cover all Cologuard tests.
You will need a prescribed medication from your doctor to check for colon cancer at home. With the prescribed package you collect the sample at home, then mail it to your physician (or a lab). Your doctor will examine the results with you when the analysis is complete. Ask us at Screen the City to know more about the home screening options.
**Disclaimer: This blog content does not intend to offer a doctor’s advice and mentions no relationship between any patient and the care provider.
