Research continues to improve the testing options for detection of many cancers, allowing patients to pursue treatment when cancers are the most treatable—when they are caught early. Screening for colorectal cancer, which responds well to treatment when caught early, is among these advances.
Nearly one million people worldwide die from colorectal cancer each year but nearly two million are diagnosed, meaning about one million people are successfully treated for colorectal cancer. With trends showing an increase in colorectal cancer rates in recent years, with many of these patients being under 50, having additional options for testing is critical in the fight against this disease.
For younger patients who are still in the workforce, an effective test that does not involve prep and recovery is ideal.
Colorectal cancer screening options
Newer screening options involve identifying blood in the stool. These include:
- Multi-target stool DNA test (Cologuard) – The test looks for DNA and blood in the stool that could indicate cancer or polyps. As long as results are negative, this test is repeated every three years.
- Multi-targetFIT-test (mtFIT) – The test looks for low levels of hemoglobin (blood protein) in the stool as well as measuring levels of two other proteins, which could indicate cancer.
Both tests are effective at detecting polyps or other growths that can then be further tested for cancer, usually with a colonoscopy. By using these tests, doctors hope to lower deaths from colorectal cancer by as much as 15%.
Colonoscopy still best
Colonoscopy is still considered the gold standard when it comes to screening for colon cancer, but stool testing provides many advantages:
- You receive a kit and instructions so you can do the test at home.
- One stool sample and no special preparation makes the test simple.
- It detects polyps, growths and mutations that may require further testing.
- The test is proven to be more than 90% effective at detecting colorectal cancer when followed by a colonoscopy.
For patients who are higher risk based on personal health or have a family history of colon cancer, abdominal cancer, Crohn’s Disease, or ulcerative colitis, doctors will generally recommend a colonoscopy. Your doctor can tell you whether you are considered average risk and a good candidate for stool testing.
Colon cancer screening guidelines now take into account recent trends for cancer rates. Talk to your doctor about what screening plan is right for you.
Guidelines by age
- 45- to 75-year-olds of average risk should get a colonoscopy every 10 years.
- Ages 76-85 – Work with your doctor to establish a testing plan based on your previous screening history, overall health, and family history of life expectancy.
- Over age 85, screening is generally not recommended.
If you have questions about your risk for developing colorectal cancer, what screening plan is best for you, and whether you should begin screening younger than 45, contact Stark Women’s Center. Our team can help you determine what plan is best for you.