20 Steps to Master the Art of Surviving Your First Colonoscopy

9. Alternative Tests For The Colon

The most common test to detect colon cancer and other abnormalities is a colonoscopy. It is the one that most individuals think of when they consider colon cancer screening. However, it is not the only option. This is vital information, as some patients are ineligible for a colonoscopy. In addition, alternative tests are less invasive than a colonoscopy. This helps get more patients to screen themselves regularly for colon cancer and other colon problems. One alternative is fecal immunochemical testing. It analyzes a stool sample from the patient and checks for blood in the sample with antibodies. A similar alternative is fecal occult blood testing, which also involves a stool sample. Another option is a sigmoidoscopy. This is similar to a colonoscopy, though it checks a smaller part of the colon. A sigmoidoscopy is invasive and requires fasting and medication. Some patients may choose a stool DNA test, which looks at blood and specific DNA in a sample of a patient's stool. If this test returns abnormal results, patients may still need a colonoscopy.

10. Colonoscopy Timeline

The majority of patients, as discussed, should get a colonoscopy once every ten years after they turn fifty years old. However, certain at-risk groups may need to begin these tests earlier, such as at forty-five or forty years old. This applies to individuals with a family history of colon cancer and those who have had it before themselves. In addition, patients who have ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or another inflammatory bowel disease should also consider starting colonoscopies earlier. Genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis also merit starting this test sooner. Some experts also say that black individuals may want to consider colonoscopies and other colon cancer screenings earlier. The reason is that they appear to experience colon cancer more often. Patients who fall into one of these categories should discuss the appropriate timeline with their doctor. These factors will also adjust how often patients need a colonoscopy. As mentioned, this is normally every ten years. However, these individuals may need one every five or even every three years. The results they get will also dictate how often they need a colonoscopy.