Weighing Different Colorectal Cancer Screening Options
Many patients make a complete recovery from colorectal cancer. In some others, the condition is entirely preventable. The common denominator here is screening tests and early detection.
If your doctor suggests colorectal cancer screening, there are a few different options you can choose from.
Cancer Screening Options Explained
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy screening is carried out by inserting a thin, long, and flexible tube inside the rectum. The tube (also known as a colonoscope) is fitted with a tiny camera that picks up any abnormal tissue, polyps, etc. inside the colon.
The screening takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
PROS
Colonoscopy screening is one of the most sophisticated screening methods available currently.
It allows the doctor an unobstructed view of the complete colon and rectum
Polyps and abnormal tissue samples can be removed using the colonoscope
CONS
Sometimes colonoscopy may be unable to detect tiny polyps and cancerous tissue.
Diet and medication need to be adjusted before the screening. It also requires cleaning the colon which some people may be hesitant to proceed with.
The procedure can only be performed under sedation
The colon may incur bleeding post-procedure
Note - You may come across the term Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in this regard. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is essentially the same as a colonoscopy, only it involves the rectum and the lower one-third of the colon. This procedure is carried out without sedation or a full bowel prep.
Virtual Colonoscopy
Also known as CT Colonography, a CT scan is used to construct a 3-D image of the colon and rectum. The doctor detects the abnormal tissue and polyp from the CT scan alone. Sometimes the healthcare provider may place a catheter inside your rectum. The catheter’s job is to fill the colon with air to make for clearer imaging.
The procedure takes around 10 minutes.
PROS
No long tube is inserted into the colon
The procedure doesn’t employ sedation
CONS
Virtual colonoscopy screening is often unable to pick up tiny masses of abnormal tissue
Diet and medication need, to be altered prior to the procedure, along with a thorough cleaning of the colon.
CT Colonography is unable to obtain tissue samples, in case an abnormality is detected.
Stool DNA Test
In the stool DNA test, your stool is screened for cancerous and precancerous cells. A cancerous/precancerous cell is detected by the marked change in the DNA, hence the name. A stool DNA test also screens for the presence of blood in your stool sample.
PROS
The procedure is simple and only requires you to collect the stool sample to be sent to the lab for analysis.
Does not require bowel prep, sedation, or even insertion of tubes.
No disruptions in a normal diet and medication.
CONS
Significantly less adept at detecting cancerous polyps as compared to the colonoscopy screening.
Have a high chance of false positives.
Fecal Occult Blood Test
The Fecal Occult Blood Test (abbreviated as FOBT) screens your stool sample for the presence of hidden (known as occult in medical terms) blood.
PROS
A stool sample can be collected at home
Does not require colon cleaning beforehand
Can be carried out without sedation.
CONS
The test might be unable to detect certain polyps and abnormal tissue
The patient might be required to alter their diet and medication prior to the procedure
Many have reported false positives
Bottom Line of Colorectal Cancer Screening
A colon cancer screening can save your life. In fact, screening can prevent 60% of colon cancer-related deaths. Don’t hesitate and get screened today! Sign up on our website or give us a call at (405) 702-1300.
**Disclaimer: This blog content does not intend to offer a doctor’s advice and mentions no relationship between any patient and the care provider.
