Test of colon cancer in Sebastian

Test for colon cancer without colonoscopy

Do you need to take a test for colon cancer in Sebastian? At the Institute of Health & Wellness we offer several screening options to detect colorectal cancer.

The most common option for colon cancer screening is colonoscopy. This process consists in inserting a flexible tube, called colonoscope, through the rectum and colon to examine for polyps. If a polyp or another abnormality is found, it can be removed right away with a small wire and sent for studying.

Colonoscopy is usually a very effective procedure, especially when it’s performed in the initial stages of colorectal cancer. However, many people are deterred from taking it by the rigorous preparation, the invasiveness of the procedure or the cost that isn’t always covered by insurance.

Fortunately for those who are afraid to take a colonoscopy, there are other ways to test for colon cancer in Sebastian. Some alternatives to colonoscopy are:

• Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
• Double-contrast barium enema
• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
• Stool DNA (Cologuard)
• CT colonoscopy

These options can be stool-based, in which you take some samples to be evaluated, or done with X-rays. Requirements, frequency and price vary according to the test, but they all are less invasive than colonoscopy and have no downtime associated.

Stool-based tests consist of Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) and stool DNA. These tests are on the simpler side of the spectrum: they are cheaper (FIT tests cost around $20), require no preparation and you can even take them yourself.

On the other hand, they don’t get to examine the colon, so they won’t detect cancer as early as a colonoscopy would. This means that they must be taken every one or three years, depending on the type of test chosen.

Visual tests examine the colon by taking images via X-rays. These are double-contrast barium enema, in which barium and air are pumped into the colon, and CT colonoscopy, where air is pumped into the colon for the tomography.

These options are similar to colonoscopy in preparation, requiring the same diet and cleaning of the bowel. However, they are more economical, less invasive, and don’t have any downtime.

As a final note, keep in mind that colonoscopy is still the gold standard for colorectal cancer detection. It’s the most accurate way to detect polyps, given that the optical device in the colonoscope can detect abnormalities in a much more precise way than stool samples or X-ray images.

If you happen to test positive for any of these tests, your doctor will recommend then getting a colonoscopy to either confirm the diagnosis or to remove any polyps detected in an X-ray scan.

In the end, the final decision for which test for colon cancer you’ll take will depend on factors like economy, age and health conditions. You should discuss the possibilities with your colorectal surgeon to find the one that is better for you.

Contact the Institute of Health & Wellness for more information on a test for colon cancer in Sebastian. Request an appointment by phone at 772-539-9556