Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colonoscopy, a procedure that allows a physician to examine the colon with a flexible tube, is the most common method of detecting colon cancer.

While colonoscopy is a highly effective screening tool, it’s invasive and requires preparation that many patients find unpleasant. Fortunately, there are alternatives to colonoscopy for detecting colon cancer.

Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

The fecal immunochemical test is a non-invasive colorectal cancer screening test that checks for the presence of blood in the stool.

Blood in the stool can be a sign of cancer, so if the FIT test is positive, a colonoscopy will still be required to determine the cause of the bleeding. However, the FIT test is significantly less invasive than a colonoscopy and doesn’t require the same type of preparation.

Cologuard

Cologuard is a non-invasive, at-home colon cancer screening test that checks for DNA biomarkers and blood in the stool. The test is only approved for individuals between the ages of 45 and 84 who are at average risk for colon cancer.

If the test is positive, a colonoscopy will need to be performed to determine the cause of the positive result. The advantage of Cologuard is that it doesn’t require the preparation or invasiveness of a colonoscopy.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that examines a portion of the colon with a flexible tube. The tube is inserted through the rectum and can detect the presence of abnormal growths in the colon, such as polyps.

While the procedure is less invasive than a colonoscopy, only a portion of the colon is examined, which means some abnormalities may be missed.

Virtual Colonoscopy

A virtual colonoscopy, also known as a CT colonography, is a non-invasive screening method that uses CT technology to create cross-sectional images of the colon.

The images are then combined to form a three-dimensional view of the colon, which can be studied for abnormalities. While the virtual colonoscopy is less invasive than a traditional colonoscopy, it still requires preparation, such as a bowel cleanse.

Additionally, if abnormalities are detected, a traditional colonoscopy will still be needed to remove or biopsy the abnormality.

Double Contrast Barium Enema

A double contrast barium enema is a procedure that involves coating the colon with barium sulfate and air. The barium outlines the colon on X-ray images and can detect the presence of abnormalities, such as polyps.

While the procedure is less invasive than a colonoscopy, it does require a bowel cleanse and may not be as accurate as other screening methods.

Stool DNA Test

A stool DNA test is a non-invasive screening method that checks for genetic mutations associated with colon cancer. The test is only approved for individuals at average risk for colon cancer and requires collecting a sample of stool.

If the test indicates the presence of genetic mutations, a colonoscopy will be required to determine the cause of the abnormalities.

Conclusion

Colon cancer screening is essential for early detection and treatment. While colonoscopy is the most effective method of detecting colon cancer, it can also be invasive and uncomfortable for patients.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to colonoscopy that are less invasive and require less preparation. Speak with your physician about the different screening options to determine which method is right for you.