March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the crucial role of early screening in preventing colorectal cancer. Early detection is key to preventing cancer and improving outcomes, and we want to ensure you are equipped with the knowledge to make the best decision for your health.
When Should You Get Screened?
According to the American Cancer Society, for average-risk individuals, screening for colorectal cancer is generally recommended to begin at age 45. However, if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend starting before age 45.
Colorectal cancer screening is a vital part of maintaining your health. As you may know, there are various screening options available, and it’s important to understand the differences to make an informed decision with your doctor.
Understanding Stool- and Blood-Based Screenings:
Stool- and blood-based screenings, such as Cologuard, Shield (new blood based test for colon cancer) and FIT (fecal immunohistochemical test), are options for average-risk patients aged 45 and older who are unable or unwilling to undergo a colonoscopy.
Key Differences in Detection:
It’s important to be aware that these screenings have detection rates that are significantly less than colonoscopy.
Colon Cancer Detection:
- Cologuard misses 1 in 13 colon cancers.
- Shield misses 1 in 6 colon cancers.
- FIT misses 1 in 4 colon cancers.
Polyp Detection (Polyps that could soon become cancer):
- Cologuard misses 57% of these polyps.
- Shield misses 87% of these polyps.
- FIT misses 76% of these polyps.
How Do Stool and Blood-Based Screening Options Compare to Colonoscopy
- Colonoscopy is the best screening for finding pre-cancerous polyps (polyps that could become cancer) and the only test that detects and prevents cancer by removing polyps before they can turn into cancer.
- Stool- and blood-based screenings do not prevent cancer. A positive result from any of these screenings necessitates a follow-up colonoscopy to confirm the presence of polyps or cancer.
- Colonoscopy is the only test recommended for people with risk factors such as personal history of polyps or cancer, family history of cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease
- Colonoscopy is the only test recommended at 10-year intervals for asymptomatic patients at average risk. Your gastroenterologist will recommend the interval of repeat colonoscopy based on findings during colonoscopy and surveillance guidelines.
Schedule Your Screening Today
We encourage you to discuss your screening options with your physician. They can help you determine the most appropriate screening method based on your individual risk factors and preferences.
If you are due for a colorectal cancer screening or have questions about your options, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us. https://jsg.plumsail.io/c3de02ad-e501-4bb1-bf6b-aa6bff6b2616.
Open Access Program
Time-saving care that’s life-saving. Our Open Access Program allows healthy patients to receive a colonoscopy without the hassle of scheduling an initial office visit. The American Cancer Society recommends beginning colon cancer screening at age 45.
Prevent colon cancer with preventative care Skip the wait. Find out if you can take advantage of Open Access. Patients with certain health risks may require an initial office visit. To see if you are eligible, please call one of our offices below.
Oakhurst Office (732) 389-5004 Manalapan Office (732) 389-5004
Early detection is vital, and we are here to help you make the best decision for your health.
