What Are the Differences Between a Colonoscopy vs. a Home Colon Cancer Test Kit?

As we become older, it’s vital to monitor our health and wellness by obtaining regular health screenings, such as colon and rectal cancer exams. These routine procedures can detect evidence of colon and rectal cancer as well as prevent cancer growth. With advances in technology, however, individuals can test themselves for colorectal cancer from the comfort of their homes. At Colorado Gastroenterology in Denver, CO, our gastrointestinal (GI) doctors urge our patients to recognize colon cancer indications, as well as keep up with routine tests to preserve their general wellness. Given that the popularity of at-home tests is increasing, however, it’s important to know the difference between a home test kit and a colonoscopy conducted by a GI specialist.

Do I need to test for colon cancer?

It’s critical to look after your health earnestly, and we congratulate you for being proactive by advancing your colorectal cancer knowledge. Colon cancer tests are significant for all people as they grow older; however, they’re exceptionally important for people who have particular factors of risk, such as a family history of colorectal cancer. A number of men and women choose to obtain an at-home colorectal cancer test, as they are less invasive and private. Be that as it may, routine colonoscopy tests at Colorado Gastroenterology are more precise than at-home screenings and extremely vital to find and address colon cancer as early as possible.

If you have family members who have had colon cancer, are at least 45 or more, or suffer some of the colorectal cancer indications listed below, we encourage you to reach out to Colorado Gastroenterology to schedule an exam with a colonoscopy doctor in Denver, CO.

Concerning signs of colorectal cancer involve:

• Blood in the stool
• Change in bowel habits
• Persistent abdominal cramps, pain, or gas
• The feeling that your colon will not completely empty
• Unexplained weight loss

Colonoscopy vs. home screenings for colon and rectal cancer

It’s important in your physical health quest to understand the distinction between a colonoscopy and a home test, as both offer different types of data. At Colorado Gastroenterology, we encourage all patients age 45 and older to get a colonoscopy around every ten years to look for colorectal cancer and other concerns. Based on your history or your family’s history, we could urge you to get tested sooner or more often. While performing a colonoscopy, our GI doctors will look for polyps (growths) or concerns in the colon and rectum using a small camera. If any abnormal growths are discovered, we can take out these during the course of your colonoscopy and conduct a biopsy. The complete colonoscopy exam takes roughly 30 – 60 minutes.

A home kit grants a convenient way for individuals to test for early indications of cancer from the comfort of their private homes. This method is less invasive and usually only requires sending in a stool sample for review. It can appear like an easy way to remain on top of your health and wellness, especially if colon and rectal cancer runs in your family. Although home colon and rectal cancer tests might offer a specific degree of convenience, it’s important to understand their shortcomings when it comes to your health.

Can I do only home colon cancer exams?

The development of at-home colon cancer screenings has left some wondering if there's a need to persist in getting standard colonoscopies when they can take these straightforward tests in the solitude of their own homes. Although the at-home exam may seem like an easy way to check for early indicators of colorectal cancer, it in no way should be interchangeable with a colonoscopy. The colonoscopy is a more thorough screening of the colon and rectum executed by one of our Denver, CO gastroenterologists who is trained to identify any markers of an issue that might not be apparent with a home stool sample.

Get a colon cancer screening in Denver, CO

As you become older, we encourage you to take control of your wellness by keeping up with routine colon and rectal cancer tests. These cancer tests are fundamentally essential to preserving your digestive and general wellness and identifying signs of colon or rectal cancer early. The board-certified gastroenterologists at Colorado Gastroenterology are highly experienced at discovering and serving to prevent colon and rectal cancer. For more data on colorectal cancer, colonoscopies, or at-home kits, contact our GI practice in Denver, CO today.