The number of colorectal cancer screening and testing options are growing everyday, but which one is right for you? The fact is, screening saves lives, so the type of test matters.

Colonoscopy

The American Gastroenterological Association recommends colonoscopy for the best choice for colorectal cancer screening. This is because it’s the only test that detects colorectal cancer early and also allows doctors to help prevent it by removing precancerous polyps during the course of the procedure.

Advantages of a colonoscopy according to the American Gastroenterological Association 

If the doctor sees any polyps during a colonoscopy, he or she will remove them right away, during the procedure.

You will not be able to feel a polyp being removed and removing them will not impact your recovery time.

Removing polyps during a colonoscopy could stop precancerous polyps from turning into colon cancer.

The procedure is also able to diagnose any cancers that have already begun to grow in the colon.

Stool Tests

Stool based screening are growing in popularity but patients should know that abnormal results needs to be followed up by a colonoscopy. Testing also needs to be repeated at advised intervals.

A fecal blood test is often the first line of screening for colorectal cancer. The test can be done at home by collecting a stool sample in a special vial provided to you in a kit. Then just follow the instructions for mailing it. It’s then tested for hidden blood.

According to the American Gastroenterological Association, these are the questions to ask your doctor about which type screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) is best for you.

Keep these questions in mind as you work with your doctor to figure out which test is best for you.
What are my risk factors for CRC?
What are my CRC testing choices given my past medical history?
What are the risks and benefits of each test option?
What happens if a polyp is found?
How do I get ready for my test?
What can I eat/drink before my test?
How often should I be tested if my colon is clear?
If a polyp is found, when should I get tested again?
How often do you perform each test option?
How often do you need to do a standard colonoscopy after doing a different test first?