Are Home Colorectal Cancer Tests and Colonoscopies Different?

As we grow older, it’s important to uphold our physical health by having routine health tests, such as colorectal cancer screenings. This simple test can identify the presence of colorectal cancer and also prevent colon or rectal cancer growth. Thanks to advances in technology, patients can test themselves for colon cancer from the comfort of their own homes. At Adult Gastroenterology Associates in Tulsa, OK, our gastrointestinal specialists advise our patients to learn about colon cancer symptoms and to receive routine screenings to maintain their overall health. However, with the prevalence of at-home tests on the rise, it’s crucial to know the distinction between an at-home test and a colonoscopy carried out by a gastroenterologist.

How can I check for colorectal cancer?

It’s crucial to take your wellness seriously, and we commend you for taking the first step by increasing your colorectal cancer knowledge. Colon cancer tests are crucial for every person as they become older; although, they’re exceptionally vital for individuals who have particular factors of risk, such as a family history of colon cancer. Some individuals choose to complete a home-based colon and rectal cancer test, as they are less intrusive and confidential. Be that as it may, typical colonoscopy screenings at Adult Gastroenterology Associates provide a higher level of accuracy than at-home screenings and are crucial for diagnosing and addressing colon and rectal cancer in the early stages.

Should you have a family history of colon and rectal cancer, are age 45 or over, or suffer any of the signs provided below, we ask you to reach out to Adult Gastroenterology Associates to schedule an exam with a colonoscopy GI specialist in Tulsa, OK.

Common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer are:

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

A colonoscopy vs. home kits for colorectal cancer

It’s essential in your pursuit of health to understand the distinction between a colonoscopy and an at-home test, as the two produce different levels of information. At Adult Gastroenterology Associates, we implore all individuals age 45 and over to obtain a colonoscopy around every 10 years to screen for colorectal cancer and further issues. Based on your or your family’s history, we may encourage you to get screened sooner or more frequently. While performing a colonoscopy, our GI doctors will check for polyps (growths) or irregularities in the colon and rectum using a small camera. If any abnormal tissues are detected, we can take out them at the time of your colonoscopy and execute a biopsy. The entire test takes between 30 – 60 minutes.

A home screening grants an accessible way for people to screen for signs of colon cancer from the comfort of their homes. This process is less invasive and normally only involves mailing in a stool specimen for examination. It can seem like an easy approach to stay checking your health and physical wellbeing, particularly if colon cancer runs in your family. While at-home colorectal cancer tests can give a specific level of convenience, it’s vital to know their limitations when it comes to your wellness.

Should I do just at-home colon cancer tests?

The development of at-home colon and rectal cancer tests has left some people speculating if there's a need to continue receiving routine colonoscopy screenings when they can perform these easy screenings in the solitude of their homes. While the home exam seems like a convenient way to screen for early signs of cancer, it cannot replace a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy exams are a more accurate screening of the colon and rectum executed by one of our Tulsa, OK gastrointestinal physicians who is prepared to identify any indications of a problem that might not be evident with an at-home stool kit.

Obtain a colon and rectal cancer screening in Tulsa, OK

As you age, we implore you to be proactive about your health by keeping up with routine colorectal cancer tests. These cancer screenings are exceedingly essential to protecting your intestinal and overall wellness and catching signs of colon and rectal cancer early on. The GI doctors at Adult Gastroenterology Associates are extremely experienced at discovering and helping to prevent colon and rectal cancer. For additional details on colon cancer, colonoscopies, or at-home kits, get in touch with our gastroenterology team in Tulsa, OK today.