Colonoscopy and Cologuard are both tests that doctors can use to look into your colon and see if there are any blockages. While both are diagnostic tests, there are several differences between the procedures most commonly used to detect and treat colon cancer. Furthermore, scroll down to learn in detail about Cologuard vs. colonoscopy.
What is a Colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a long, narrow tube called an endoscope to look inside the lower part of your large intestine. During the procedure, your doctor will put a camera on the endoscope to see and detect what's happening there.What is a Cologuard?
Cologuard is a DNA-based stain that can identify the presence of colorectal cancer, including precancerous and cancerous lesions. It is a test that tells doctors if you have been exposed to DNA through familial history.Differences between Cologuard vs colonoscopy -
Early cancer detection is key in preventing the serious morbidities of the disease. Colonoscopes and Cologuard offer excellent tools that perform early detection. However, there are subtle differences between both procedures. Knowledge of each procedure will help you make a better decision for your next colorectal examination:1) Test type
Colonoscopy: is a procedure that can detect, treat and prevent existing polyps and tumors present in the colon that are potential risks of cancer.Cologuard: is a procedure that only detects the presence of cancerous genes present in stool samples of the patient.2) Test use
Colonoscopy: is used to detect diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as well as conditions such as rectal bleeding and anal fissures.Cologuard: This DNA-based test can help detect many types of precancerous and early-stage cancers. Cologuard is used to screen for colorectal cancer by checking your stool for abnormal levels of the protein CA-125. If your CA-125 level is abnormal, you may be more likely to develop colorectal cancer. Cologuard can also monitor your risk of developing colorectal cancer over time.3) Test Procedure
Colonoscopy: An endoscope, attached with a lighted camera, is inserted into the rectum to visualize the entire colon and rectum to detect polyps or growths that may be precursors to colon cancer. A doctor will use a sigmoidoscope during a colonoscopy to remove any polyps found during the test. Your doctor will also check for other diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and other conditions that may cause bleeding in your rectum or lower intestine. Removing the polyps this procedure saves you from potentially developing cancer. Thus, colonoscopy detects and treats potential colorectal cancer and other colorectal diseases.Cologuard: This test, available as a home kit, examines the colon cells of the lining that are shed and passed in the stools. The stool sample is collected and sent to the laboratory for testing. Cancerous cells will have a mutated DNA which the test is designed to detect. Abnormal cells or blood in the stool may also be a sign of cancer. If the test result is positive, the patient will be asked to undergo a colonoscopy and undertake treatment accordingly.4) Accuracy of the test
Colonoscopy: can detect 95% of colorectal cancersCologuard: can detect 92% of colorectal cancers and only 42% of precancerous polyps putting you at risk for more than 50% of cancers. The test also raises an unwanted alarm with 13% false positivity.5) Patient history
Colonoscopy: Can be performed by anyone who has reason to believe (via blood tests or other reports) that there might be an abnormality present in the large intestines or the colon.Cologuard: must not be performed in persons exposed to cancer-causing DNA through familial history. This is because they are already at high risk for cancer by inheriting the genes from their ancestry.6) Patient Age
Colonoscopy: there is no upper or lower age limit when taking the test. Children are given anesthetic while undergoing a colonoscopy. The efficacy of a colonoscopy may decrease after the age of 75 years, and routine colonoscopy may not be required post the age of 65.Cologuard: This test is indicated only to screen adults above 45.7) Cost-effectiveness
Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy can detect polyps or tumors in the colorectal region. It is a preventative, diagnostic tool that detects early disease signs. Cologuard: if a Cologuard test emerges positive, the doctor will direct you to perform a colonoscopy for an affirmative result. Thus, a Cologuard test is an additional step in the process of detection and cure for potential cancer.8) Screening Frequency
Colonoscopy: a routine colonoscopy is recommended for individuals aged 30 and above to detect early signs of cancer. It is typically repeated every 10 years for persons with average risk.Cologuard: the test is repeated every 3 years for persons with an average risk of developing cancer.9) Special considerations
Colonoscopy: The bowels and colon must be empty before taking the test. For this, a bowel prep induces a laxative-like motion to empty the colon.Cologuard: the colon need not be empty to undergo a Cologuard test, and neither a special diet is to be followed before the test. The test requires a stool sample taken at any time of the day.Advantages of a Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is well-known as the gold standard screening test in the detection and prevention of colorectal cancers. Additionally, the procedure has other advantages, such as,- Detects conditions like Colitis and Inflammatory Bowel syndrome
- Can surgically remove polyps
- The unmatched accuracy rate of 95% in detecting cancers
- Can be done at any age
- Is a follow-up test that must be performed after a positive Cologuard test
- No true replacement for a colonoscopy
Advantages of a Cologuard
This home-based test kit was developed for its many advantages:- Can be taken in the privacy of your home
- The technique is non-invasive
- Cheaper
- No pain involved
- Up to 92% accuracy in detecting cancerous genes
- Early detection of precancerous cells
Conclusion -
Cologuard vs colonoscopy are both diagnostic tests made available at your disposal. Both procedures can detect potential cancer at the early stages of the disease. Therefore, while choosing the best procedure for you, a healthy tip would be to consider the risk factor involved in every aspect of both procedures. Cancer treatment can be emotionally and physically challenging. Therefore, it is important to choose a hcg hospital shimoga that offers a range of support services such as counseling, nutrition services, and rehabilitation services to help you manage the side effects of treatment.Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Cologuard test detect the early stages of colon cancer?
Cologuard test is designed to detect precancerous cells and any early DNA mutation that would lead to cancerous growth. However, a Cologuard test may only be able to detect the polyp growth once they are much bigger, usually towards more severe stages of tumor growth.
Is the Cologuard test as reliable as a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy offers 95% accuracy in the detection and prevention of colon cancers; the Cologuard test has an accuracy rate of 92% for colon cancers and an accuracy rate of only 42% in the detection of precancerous cells. This makes colonoscopy a more reliable diagnostic tool.
Is a Cologuard test needed after a negative colonoscopy result?
A negative colonoscopy result indicates there is no sign of cancer in the colon. There is no further need to perform the Cologuard test. On the contrary, upon receiving a negative Cologuard test, it is better to confirm the test result by undergoing a colonoscopy. The Cologuard test has a lower accuracy rate than a colonoscopy.
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