Screening for colon cancer can be lifesaving, so getting yourself tested is important. However, patients should be aware there are big differences between a traditional colonoscopy and the Cologuard test. Show Cologuard, the at-home colon cancer screening test that has been heavily marketed, has become a popular option due largely to its convenience – it can be performed without extensive preparation and does not require fasting. However, home-based stool-sample tests have raised concerns because they are not as accurate as colonoscopies, meaning they are more likely to produce false positives or negatives. With colorectal cancer being the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women, according to the American Cancer Society, patients should know the facts before making a choice about this serious screening test. After all, nearly 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are predicted in 2021. Let’s look at each procedure to explore the differences. Differences in How the Tests Detect and Prevent Cancer
Differences in Turnaround Time
Differences in Accuracy
Differences in Expense
One Clue that Makes a Big Difference in Test Choice: Risk Although it is normal to be reluctant to undergo colonoscopy, it is a routine procedure with a low risk of complications. The colonoscopy preps have gotten easier to take and more effective. The gastroenterologists at Cincinnati GI have a lot of experience and expertise in providing a safe, high-quality exam with minimal discomfort. Screening for colon cancer with a stool test is an attractive option, but by the company’s own admission is not a replacement for diagnostic colonoscopy or surveillance of high-risk individuals. If you have a history of colon cancer, colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, family history of colon cancer, or certain hereditary syndromes, Cologuard is not for you. If these risks to not apply to you, you should still consider a colonoscopy as a first-line test. A colonoscopy’s ability to detect and prevent cancer is soundly evident. The convenience of Cologuard is evident as well. Here’s what we suggest: When weighing the pros and cons of each, ask yourself: Which would I want my loved ones to choose? How accurate is the cologuard test?Cologuard's accuracy rate for detecting colorectal cancers and precancerous polyps is touted to be 92%. While that is impressive for a stool-based test, it still means that 8% of lesions will go undetected, leaving those patients with a false sense of security. Cologuard has a 14% false-positive rate.
Is cologuard as good as a colonoscopy?No, the Cologuard test is not as effective as a colonoscopy. Detecting and removing polyps is critical to colon cancer prevention, and Cologuard only detects large precancerous polyps 42% of the time. A colonoscopy detects the same polyps 95% of the time and they are removed during the same procedure.
Can a cologuard test detect stomach cancer?Abnormal result (positive result) suggests that the test found some pre-cancer or cancer cells in your stool sample. However, the Cologuard test does not diagnose cancer. You will need further tests to make a diagnosis of cancer. Your provider will likely suggest a colonoscopy.
Does cologuard detect cancer or blood?Cologuard is a screening test that looks for altered DNA and/or blood that could be signs of precancerous growths or colorectal cancer.
|