Test of colon cancer in Stuart

Test for colon cancer without colonoscopy

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death related to cancer in the United States. This makes getting a test for colon cancer in Stuart even more imperative.

Doctors usually recommend colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer. This is because colonoscopy is highly efficient, especially in the early stages of cancer, and allows to remove any polyps found in the same procedure.

Still, around one third of adults in the appropriate age to get a colonoscopy don’t receive it. Some of the causes for not getting a colonoscopy are:

• Special diet and bowel cleaning
• Discomfort
• Downtime
• Cost

As getting colorectal cancer detected early is fundamental to treating it successfully, several alternatives have arisen to test for colon cancer in Stuart without the need for colonoscopy.

All these tests have different characteristics in terms of type of test, invasiveness, preparation, cost and insurance coverage. What they have in common is that they are less invasive and less costly than colonoscopy, while requiring no downtime.

Stool-based tests, like FIT, FOBT and stool DNA, don’t require any special preparation, although your physician may recommend you to limit or remove some foods. They are cheap or mid-range, and insurances usually cover them. You should take them yearly or every three years, depending on the specific test.

Double-contrast barium enema and CT colonoscopy are performed with X-rays, meaning you have to undergo special preparation to empty your colon, like with a regular colonoscopy. The difference is that they are less expensive and less invasive than colonoscopy, although many insurances might not cover them.

As you can see, when it comes to colon cancer screening, there are many alternatives to colonoscopy. Nonetheless, if you test positive for one of the previous tests, you’ll still have to get a colonoscopy. This can be done to confirm the diagnosis of a stool-based test or to remove the polyps that were found on a visual test.

Colonoscopy is still the most accurate test, as it can detect small polyps and abnormalities better than any other. That’s why colonoscopy is still the gold standard for colorectal cancer detection.

Be sure to talk to your colorectal surgeon to determine which of these tests for colon cancer is better for you. Your physician will be able to advice you based on your age and medical history.

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