The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recently reported that among expanding options for colorectal cancer screening, colonoscopy remains the AGA's top recommendation.
In a business announcement, the organization noted that new screening guidance has alerted patients and primary care providers to newer testing options, but that both should seek first to understand how the different options compare, and recognize that the type of screening test used can make a difference in the prevention and early detection of disease.
The AGA noted that colonoscopy is the only currently available test capable of detecting colorectal cancer early as well as helping to prevent it by enabling doctors to remove precancerous polyps during the procedure, making it the preferred choice of testing methods.
When colonoscopy is not feasible, the organization next recommends recurring stool-based screening options, with the caveat that abnormal results need to be followed up with a colonoscopy.
The organization also noted that blood-based tests are less effective than colonoscopy and stool tests and are unable to identify precancerous polyps that could develop into cancer.
For more information about colorectal cancer screening options, visit gastro.org.
