Articles
Colon cancer screening: Weighing the options
What is your attitude toward screening tests?
What is your doctor's approach to screening tests?
What is your risk level?
Content
What preparation is involved?
How convenient is the test?
What about cost and insurance issues?
What's your attitude toward screening tests?
What's your doctor's approach to screening tests?
What's your risk level?
What are the pros and cons of each test?
What's the bottom line?
What's your attitude toward screening tests?
The more thorough the colon cancer screening test, the more likely it is to detect any cancer or precancerous polyps. Conversely, a more thorough test might also mean more-inconvenient or more-uncomfortable preparation, a slightly higher risk of serious complications, or both.
Ask yourself:
- Will you feel best if you know you've chosen the most thorough screening test possible?
- Will you worry or doubt the results if you choose a less sensitive test?
- How concerned are you about convenience, preparation or the possibility of serious complications?
