Colonoscopy
Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, and it is preventable.
Why Colonoscopy?
There are several ways to screen for colon cancer:
fecal immunochemistry test (FIT), combination FIT and DNA (Cologuard), sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography), and colonoscopy.
But colonoscopy is the most effective method for both early detection AND prevention. No other test is as effective at detecting and eliminating small, premalignant polyps.
Is Colonoscopy for you?
Discuss your options with your primary healthcare provider. There are very few circumstances that preclude colonoscopy, but if you are 45 years older or older AND do not have any personal history of colon polyps or family history of colon cancer or polyps, you could consider one of the other methods of early detection.