Colorectal Cancer Testing Options
Do you know what colorectal cancer testing options are available? Do you know there are other options than having a colonoscopy? Colon cancer is the second leading cancer in men and women in the United States. Do you know the best test to test for colon cancer? The one you have done.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends one of three tests to check for colon cancer:
- Colonoscopy
- Stool tests (guaiac fecal occult blood test [FOBT] or fecal immunochemical test [FIT]
- Sigmoidoscopy (rarely performed)
Most individuals don’t realize there are less invasive tests than colonoscopies – and can be done in your own home!
According to the CDC, 1 in 3 people that should be tested have not been tested. 23 million adults living in the United States have never been tested – and two-thirds have a regular doctor and health insurance that would pay for the testing!
What You Should Do:
- Learn about ALL the tests available. With your doctor’s help choose the best one for your situation.
- Keep track of your family health history and personal health history
- Encourage family and friends to also be tested for colon cancer
90% of individuals live five or more years when their colon cancer is found early through testing
So, what are you waiting for? Call your doctor today.
Recommendations for Test Types by the CDC:
Colonoscopy
- Family history of colorectal (colon) cancer or polyps
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
- Can help reduce death from colon cancer
- Can remove precancerous or abnormal growths in colon during tests
- Finds most cancer or polyps that are present
- Done every 10 years if no polyps are found
FOBT/FIT
- No family history of colon cancer or polyps
- No history of inflammatory bowel disease
- Can help reduce death from colon cancer
- Safe and easy to complete
- Test is performed at home on your own schedule
- Finds cancer early by screening for blood in stool
- Can find most cancers if performed each year
As always, check with your doctor and with their help decide which test is right for your situation and health history.
Source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control’s CDC Vital Signs November 2013 located at http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/infographic.htm.