Home- And Office-Based Colon Cancer Screening Tests

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of death in men and women. Fortunately, people have the opportunity to test for this cancer, even if they are experiencing no symptoms. Home-based and office testing procedures provide conclusive results, which can ward off the progression of the disease and provide a testee with the opportunity to begin a treatment plan quickly. 

A Home-Based Test

A home-based test is a noninvasive test that an individual can take from the comfort of their home. This type of test requires a testee to collect and submit a stool sample. Home-based tests can be acquired through medical practitioners and offices that provide testing supplies. A home-based fecal matter test is often called a fecal immunochemical test (FIT).

This type of test will detect blood in a stool sample. If blood is found within a sample, it can be indicative of colon cancer or another underlying medical issue. A home-based test can be shipped or brought into a doctor's office or a testing facility. A lab test will be performed. This test will determine if further testing is needed or if a testee is unlikely to have colon cancer.

An Office-Based Test

For those who do not want to perform a test at home, there are several medical office procedures that can detect colon cancer. First, a FIT test can be given. A DNA test that will determine the makeup of a stool sample can also be used to test for colon cancer. A colonography scan is another office procedure that utilizes imaging equipment. This type of test is noninvasive and will allow a doctor to see the colon without sticking any instruments into the body.

A colonoscopy is one more way that a doctor can determine if cancer cells are present. This type of test is more invasive but will allow a doctor to perform a biopsy. Each testing procedure that a doctor offers will be administered within a medical setting.

There will be full privacy during each of the testing procedures. A doctor may recommend one or more of the testing procedures. Once testing is complete, a doctor will have the specimens tested through a lab. Once the results from a lab come back, a doctor will share the results with the patient. If colon cancer is detected, a doctor will determine the best course of action to combat the cancer cells. They will share this information with their patient.

Contact your doctor to learn more about colon cancer testing.