Is it time for your screening?
It's safe to say that no one looks forward to getting a colonoscopy. Many people dread the idea so much that they avoid getting tested, even though there are alternatives to colonoscopies. That puts them at risk, because about half of all colon cancers can be prevented with regular screening.
Colon cancer facts
- 0 symptoms experienced by many people in early stages
- 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.
If you're between ages 45 and 75, your Brown University Health medical plan covers recommended colon cancer screenings at 100% when you see an in-network provider. This includes colonoscopies as well as some take-home tests.
Colon cancer screening choices
This is a direct exam of the colon and rectum, and polyps are removed if present. If you have an abnormal result from other colon cancer screenings, you'll need a colonoscopy.
Advantages
- Can usually view entire colon and rectum
- Can biopsy and remove polyps
- Brown Health medical plans cover colonoscopies once every 5 years
Disadvantages
- Higher risk than other tests
- Need to have an empty bowel (usually by drinking and/or taking laxatives)
A slender tube is inserted through the rectum into the colon. This gives the doctor a visual exam of the rectum and lower part of the colon.
Advantages
- Fairly quick
- Sedation (medication to help you relax and block pain) usually not used
- Does not require a specialist
- Should be done every 5 years
Disadvantages
- Doesn’t view upper part of colon
- Can’t see or remove all polyps
- Need to have an empty bowel (usually by drinking and/or taking laxatives)
- Colonoscopy needed if test results are abnormal
This screening gives a detailed 2-D or 3-D view of the colon and rectum.
Advantages
- Fairly quick and safe
- Can usually view entire colon and rectum
- No sedation needed
- Should be done every 5 years
Disadvantages
- Still fairly new test
- Can’t remove polyps during test
- Need to have an empty bowel
- Colonoscopy needed if test results are abnormal
This test can detect blood in stool caused by tumors or polyps. Your healthcare provider gives you a kit to take home.
Advantages
- No direct risk to the colon/rectum
- Bowel doesn’t need to be empty (no laxatives needed)
- Sampling done at home
Disadvantages
- May miss some polyps/cancers
- Done every year
- Colonoscopy needed if test results are abnormal
This test looks for certain DNA changes from cancer or polyp cells. Healthcare provider has kit sent to patient.
Advantages
- No direct risk to the colon/rectum
- Bowel doesn’t need to be empty
- Sampling done at home
Disadvantages
- May miss some polyps/cancers
- Colonoscopy needed if test results are abnormal
Note: All statistics are from the American Cancer Society.
The information provided herein is not medical advice and should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.