How to Decide Your Colon Cancer Screening Method?

What's the best way to screen for colon cancer? In this video, I describe the factors to consider to make your choice on how to answer this question. I discuss the pros and cons of the most common methods to screen for colon cancer - a colonoscopy, a Cologuard, and a FIT test. I discuss which methods detect colon cancer and which method prevents colon cancer. I consider the cost differences of each of these tests and when insurance may not cover a test. I also present the risks of the tests. The accuracy of these tests differ so I break down the statistics for how well these test detect cancer, how well they detect precursors to cancer, and some of the reasons the test may be wrong. Finally, I emphasize the importance of convenience and availability. Ultimately, the best test is the test you complete which ensures you have been screened and helps us toward the goal that all eligible patients be screened for colon cancer.

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DISCLAIMER: While I am a Gastroenterologist, I am not acting as your Gastroenterologist. The information provided on this channel is intended to be general educational content and not directed towards any one individual. If you believe you have a medical condition that deserves attention please seek care from your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, call 911.

[hiserra]

Colonoscopy done! Polyps found and removed! Your videos were so helpful in getting me through my concern about the prep which ultimately was not nearly as bad as I feared! Thank you!

[jentan]

Here in Australia we have a national bowel cancer screening program. Everyone between 50 and 74 years receives a free poo test in the mail every 2 years. Also, our colonoscopies are included in our national health care - so if we need one we don't have to worry about the cost. I think it's great given how prevalent this type of cancer is.

[mitchellbarnow]

Kaiser in the San Francisco Bay Area tried to tell everyone that they only wanted the blood in the stool home test done and that a colonoscopy would only be performed if blood was in the stool and that's exactly what you were talking about. My friend was sure happy be he wouldn't have to do the prep. They even had their Doctors promoting this new cost cutting procedure. It is definitely not about patient care, it is about providing the lowest cost health care. I have several friends that have Kaiser through work and you have to fight for everything. Sorry to blab on and on Dr Cooper!

[AllEmerald]

Great channel please keep making videos

[MARIPILIPM]

Dr THANK YOU for info, but PLEASE, improve the AUDIO that is very poor‼️

[James-lbjo]

I had a colonoscopy in 2021 . Two polyps were removed and were not cancerous . At the beginning of September 2024 I started having diarrhea that would not stop . I started taking pink peptobismal in doses of 4 . I am going to get the FDA approved blood test to detect cancer . I may have to have another colonoscopy in 2024 . The FDA approved blood test can give false positives or false negatives. A blood test for celiac disease did not detect any gluten antigens . The stool test was inconclusive . I still take the pink stuff . It could be that i have developed IBS . It is easy think of doom and gloom outcomes . I have lost some weight . I eat gluten free because I may have gluten sensitivity . I remember how bad I felt eating gluten foods and it was horrible .

[Dee-hizj]

I'm curious why you haven't mentioned the Virtual Colonoscopy? according to Mayo (I believe) it's relatively non-invasive and finds issues that none of the other tests you mentioned find. Just curious. It sounds like a good option to us who are elderly and concerned about the risks of colonoscopy.

[michaelshelnutt]

I just collected a sample for Cologuard- and seen blood. I have a history of hemorrhoids, will they know the difference?

[steveokenivo]

My colonoscopy showed nothing but I still have heavy bleeding.

[dilipnachane]

Statistically speaking, one way to reduce the possibility of false negatives of the FIT Tests would be to have the stool test on 3 successive days.