Did you know that colorectal cancer is among the most common cancers in the United States? The good news is, it is preventable when diagnosed on time. While colonoscopy is a reliable method for diagnosing colorectal cancer and other GI diseases, there are also other screening tests available.
When should adults start screening themselves for colorectal cancer? Average-risk adults fall in the 45 to 75 years age range. Ages 76–85 are individualized based on health and prior screening. Anyone with abnormal results on a non-colonoscopy test needs a colonoscopy.
In this blog, we explain about colonoscopy vs other screening tests and which one may be the right option for you.
What Kind of Screening Tests Are Available for Colorectal Cancer?
GI specialists use Colonoscopy, Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), and Cologuard tests to screen for colorectal cancer. There are other screening tests available too, but in this guide we focus on Colonoscopy, FIT, and Colorguard®.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy uses a flexible camera tube to examine the entire colon and rectum, detecting and removing polyps, tumors, or abnormal growths.
When is it done?
Every 10 years for average-risk adults. It’s done more often if polyps are found.
The Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
The non-invasive FIT test detects hidden blood in stool, a possible sign of colorectal cancer or large polyps. It is easy to use at home and requires no sedation or invasive preparation. However, FIT cannot remove polyps or provide a direct view of the colon.
When is it done?
It is advisable to get screened yearly.
Cologuard®
Cologuard® is an at-home stool test for average-risk adults that detects hidden blood and abnormal DNA; positive results need a colonoscopy.
When is it done?
Patients can do it every 1 to 3 years; if the result is positive, they will need a colonoscopy.
FOBT (Fecal Occult Blood Test)
FOBT is a non-invasive stool test that detects hidden blood, helping screen for gastrointestinal bleeding, colorectal cancer, or polyps.
CT Colonography: Virtual Colonoscopy
CT colonography uses low-dose CT scans to create 2D and 3D images of the colon and rectum, detecting polyps and abnormalities.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy uses a flexible, lighted tube to examine the rectum and lower colon for inflammation, polyps, or other abnormalities.
Colonoscopy vs Other Screening Tests: Which One to Choose
Choosing between colonoscopy, FIT test, or Cologuard® test requires consideration of your health profile, along with factors such as accuracy, convenience, cost, and risk. Note that all positive non-invasive tests require a follow-up colonoscopy to realize the benefit of screening.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the gold standard, examining the entire colon and allowing immediate removal of polyps to detect and prevent cancer. High-risk patients (history of polyps, symptoms, or family history of colorectal cancer) should prioritize colonoscopy. Lower-risk individuals may consider FIT or Cologuard® as effective, non-invasive screening alternatives.
FIT and Cologuard®
FIT and Cologuard® are convenient, home-based tests requiring no sedation or bowel prep. However, they are less sensitive and require more frequent testing or follow-up colonoscopy if results are positive.
Pro Tip: Studies suggest that Colonoscopy is more sensitive than FIT & Cologuard in detecting colorectal cancers.
The Last Message
Colonoscopy for screening offers the right way for the detection of colorectal cancer, along with its prevention. While other tests, such as FIT or Cologuard, are good for some other individuals, patients mostly benefit from colonoscopy.
If you want to get a clearer comparison of all the tests and want the expert’s opinion on which screening test to choose, then visit the Gastroenterology Diagnostic Center Schedule your appointment with our specialist today by calling us at (281) 357-1977.