Colonoscopy vs optional testing

A

avrp

Member
Hi all, I know there are probably many opinions about this. I'd like to hear from you guys.
I have never had a colonoscopy. I detest surgical procedures and Doctors....but I do what's necessary. I've read about options for "The Test" (in fact AARP magazine has an article this month)

There is one option called Cologuard. The lab looks for both blood and cancer-related DNA in the stool. This sounds like a pretty effective way to test. Especially if we have no symptoms or history.
They say not to eat any red meat for 3 days prior to testing or there may be false positive results.

Would you do this test and be satisfied or would you rather get the Colonoscopy?
 

April, would you still consider the test rather than the colo if you had a sibling with colon cancer?
 

First there is no surefire alternative to a colonoscopy. It is a simple procedure once you do the "prep". The prep consists of a minimum fast of 12 hours (or 24 depending on which prep is used). It is the consumption of a huge supply of a liquid laxative. One that is done you will go the the clinic or hospital be given a light med to make you drowsy or go to sleep. They perform the exam and if necessary zap any polyps they find with a laser built in to the scope and wake you up. I have had three of them, no pain no strain but the prep is no fun.
 
After doing a bit more reading, it wouldn't work or be recommended in my case to begin with, but I wouldn't have minded not having to go through the prep work of a colonoscopy again for the umtenth time. I've had it done more than once and the last time, it was inconclusive, so I had to go through a more invasive procedure while I was wide awake, I forget what it was called, but I was probed and turned and air was blown up into me and awwwwkkkkkkkkkkk, it was not the best experience. A regular colonoscopy itself isn't a big deal, it's the prep work most people don't care for. Some don't mind, some do. But in the end we all do what we need to do, like it or not.

Some reading for those interested:

http://www.cologuardtest.com/
 
I don't see the point unless there's a problem in that department - I'm not a meat eater so it seems irrelevant.
 
Cookie said:
I don't see the point unless there's a problem in that department - I'm not a meat eater so it seems irrelevant.
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Cookie, my sister was just dx with stage 4 colon cancer. She is a vegan who does not eat any sugar and eats only organic.
Although diet does help prevent diseases, it's not a sure thing. That's whats so scary to me.
 
We have regular bowel cancer tests every two years after 60; through the post!
better than nothing; and my Dad has had bowel cancer, and recovered.
 
Yes, it is scary and I've heard it all..... and I'm so sorry about your sister. After a while, tho, I am weary of all the preventative 'tests' we have to force ourselves to undergo ..... but everyone has to decide for themselves, do the research and make their own decision.
 
Cookie, I feel that way sometimes too, so I understand what you mean.
I have a decision to make....ugh!
 
I'm sure you'll do the right thing, Marty. I'm more concerned with genetic predisposition, when if my mother/sister had a certain disease, I'd make sure I got the tests.
 
Years ago I requested a colonoscopy but they talked me into a sigmoid. Now I don't want a colonoscopy but should schedule one soon. It's the prep that's a pain in the...well, not really- just inconvenient. :)
 
I'll have my third and final one later this year.

It's really a non-issue for me. The procedure is painless, and while the prep is a little annoying, it's only once every 10 years. The first time I had 3 or 4 non-cancerous polyps removed, but other than that I've been clean as a whistle. I've known a couple folks who died of colon cancer and it is not a pleasant way to die. I'd much rather avoid it if at all possible.
 
I took this test about 2 months ago because I am on a blood thinner medication and can't have a colonoscopy. What Marty said is correct, the test is for detecting blood and cancer-related DNA in the stool. My gastro doc recommended it in place of the colonoscopy. Although it is a bit messy, it beats the drink or pills one has to take before a colonoscopy.
Kathie
 
Kathiebronx said:
I took this test about 2 months ago because I am on a blood thinner medication and can't have a colonoscopy. What Marty said is correct, the test is for detecting blood and cancer-related DNA in the stool. My gastro doc recommended it in place of the colonoscopy. Although it is a bit messy, it beats the drink or pills one has to take before a colonoscopy.
Kathie
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The test you are talking about is the cologuard test? I have called a few docs and pharmacists in the area and they are not aware of this test. It must be pretty new.
 
Gut cancer has a strong genetic component. If you have one or more first order relatives, parents or siblings, or if it appears to have been fairly common in the family history it is very important to have regular examinations. A colonoscopy reveals pre-cancerous polyps that can be dealt with early. Stool tests are fine but not as good as colonoscopies.

My husband has had two brothers who developed gut cancer, the first died, the second has been saved due to radical surgery - stomach completely removed - and his mother developed bowel cancer quite late in life. Family history reveals others in her line with bowel cancer. Hubby has been having regular colonoscopies and endoscopies since his brother died. So far he has been OK.

I've had just one examination - a barium enema - but without any family history of gut cancer, or cancer in general, I don't bother with these tests now.
 
I'm not sure what it is called. I know the doctor said I was the first patient he had used it on. . I will do some more research and find out from the doc's office on Mon what the test is called.
Kathie
 
marty said:
There is one option called Cologuard. The lab looks for both blood and cancer-related DNA in the stool. This sounds like a pretty effective way to test. Especially if we have no symptoms or history.
They say not to eat any red meat for 3 days prior to testing or there may be false positive results.

Would you do this test and be satisfied or would you rather get the Colonoscopy?
Click to expand...

My husband and I have never had a colonoscopy, and don't intend to unless there is a problem that mandates it. We both have mailed to us yearly, a fecal occult test that is done at home, and non invasive. If there's ever an issue with those results, we would consider what is necessary to do next.

I don't get many of the annual 'preventative' tests anymore, that I was conditioned to receive. I don't want to subject myself to any unnecessary x-ray radiation unless there's no choice. I think these tests are performed and advertised mostly to make money for the medical corporations who benefit financially from all who 'get on board', and their effectiveness in preventing cancer is not convincing to me.

My brother in law was a healthy man, he was physically fit and active, ate a healthy, mostly vegetarian diet and did not smoke or drink. After having an annual colonoscopy, and routine polyp removal, he was informed that he had developed colon cancer. After having a section of his colon removed and going through the usual expensive and painful "treatments" of chemo/radiation, etc., he was told that the cancer was now in his prostate. After having that surgically and medically "treated", they said his cancer had spread to other organs. Long story short, a healthy man with no history of colon cancer in his family, ended up dying at home in a "hospice" hospital bed, at the age of 65.

I've also heard too many stories over the years about perforations during that procedure that sometimes result in death, and infections due to poorly sanitized instruments. I respect everyone's choice to decide what's best for them and their bodies, but until I know it's a necessary risk, I will not be having any colonoscopies in my future. http://blog.naturalhealthyconcepts....you-should-know-before-getting-a-colonoscopy/
 
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