Q: I’ve heard the American Cancer Society has updated its recommendations for colon cancer screening and that there are several options besides a colonoscopy. There are stool tests, CT scans and even a blood test. What’s the difference, and how do I know which one is right for me?
A: This is a great question, because there are now more options for colon cancer screening than ever before. The American Cancer Society recognizes several screening tests, not just colonoscopy.
That’s good news. It means you have choices, and the best test is often the one you’re comfortable doing and will follow through with.
A colonoscopy allows your doctor to look directly inside the colon. If a polyp is found, it can usually be removed during the same procedure. That’s an important advantage because some polyps can eventually turn into cancer. If your colonoscopy is normal and you’re at average risk, you generally won’t need another one for 10 years.
There are also stool tests that you can do at home. The FIT test looks for tiny amounts of blood in your stool that you might not be able to see. It’s done once a year. Another option, commonly known as Cologuard, looks for both blood and certain changes in DNA that can be associated with colon cancer. That test is generally done every three years.