High Def Colonoscopy Superior

Colonscopy is the gold standard for detecting colon cancer. There is no doubt that colonoscopy saves lives. Even so, researchers are always looking for ways to make this test even better. This is because the more effectively colonoscopy screening can detect the smallest tumors or pre-cancerous colon growths, the more likely it is that these growths will be caught and removed early, before they have spread.

New research has found that a type of colonoscopy testing called high-definition colonoscopy is superior to regular colonoscopy for finding colon growths that can develop into colon cancer. Results from the largest head-to-head comparison of regular vs. high-definition colonoscopy screening are clear: High-def colonoscopy should be the screening of the future.

Your Next Steps

If you're of average risk for colon cancer, health experts recommend that you begin colonoscopy screening at age 50. If you are above-average risk, for example because you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or a genetic condition that increases risk, you likely need to begin colonoscopy screening much earlier and undergo it more often. Here are some steps you can take to take control of your colon health:

• Do not use these latest study results on high-def colonoscopy as an excuse to avoid getting this test altogether. Your doctor may not have access to this sort of test quite yet, but regular colonoscopy is still the single best way to detect colon cancer early, before it has spread and when it is easiest to treat and cure.
• Learn what you need to do to prepare for a colonoscopy. A little planning will help you have a sense of control over your health and your health care choices.
• Learn what happens during a colonscopy. Knowing what to expect can ease your fears significantly.
• Learn how to remove the dread and fear of colonoscopy. Nobody looks forward to getting a colonoscopy, but it likely is not as bad as you think.
• Focus on the future. Focusing on the fact that getting a colonscopy can save your life and keep you cancer-free can make it easier to pick up the phone and call your doctor to ask about this important screening.