Colon cancer screening options run the gamut in terms of accuracy, scientific evidence for effectiveness, amount of the colon examined, the need for sedation, and more. New research shows that having a full understanding of all of the aspects of each type of colon cancer screening method can help people better determine which test meets their needs.
Which Tests, Which Outcomes
Researchers wanted to find out how people felt about different colon cancer screening methods before and after being educated about thirteen aspects of each test. The colon cancer screening methods studied were:
The aspects of each test that study participants learned about were:
- Accuracy: How well does the test find growths in the colon?
- Amount of colon examined: Does the test directly examined the colon and how much of the colon is covered by the test?
- Potential complications: How likely is the test to cause serious complications?
- Cost and insurance coverage: How much does the test cost and is it likely to be covered by insurance?
- Discomfort: How much discomfort, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and gas, is associated with the test?
- Frequency: How often is it recommended that the test be repeated?
- Location and person performing the test: Is the test performed in your home, a clinic, or a laboratory?
- Need for further testing: If a result is abnormal, are additional tests required?
- Need for sedation: Does the test require that the person be sedated?
- How much preparation is required: Does the test require preparation and how far in advance is the preparation needed?
- Scientific evidence: How many deaths due to colon cancer are likely to be prevented when the test is used consistently in a large population of people?
- Time for the test: How long does the test take and will a day off work be required to complete the test?
- Patient responsibilities: When you take the test, what responsibilities, such as following a special diet or mailing a stool specimen to a lab, will the patient have?
With Knowledge, Opinions Change
The study authors found that participants felt no single test had all of the features they wanted. Also, participants changed their opinion about which test would be best for them after they learned more about the thirteen aspects of each test.
Before learning about the details of each test, the majority of participants felt that fecal occult blood testing would be the best test for them.
After learning about the tests, the majority of participants felt that colonoscopy was the best test for them.
Get the Facts
The most important take home message from this study? When it's time for your colon cancer screening, ask your doctor for full information about all of your testing options. You may have an idea of what testing is best for you. But until you understand the pros and cons of each test, you won't know for sure.
If your doctor doesn't answer all of your questions about the tests to your satisfaction, ask for more information. If your doctor is too busy to help, he or she can have the clinic nurse explain things in more detail. Remember, when it comes to your health, there's no such thing as a "dumb question."
