No one looks forward to a colonoscopy. Although it's clear that regular screening colonoscopies can save lives, some people are unwilling to undergo this lifesaving procedure. Luckily, there is a new noninvasive screening test for colon cancer for those who are unwilling to undergo a colonoscopy. Although this test may be a viable colonoscopy alternative for persons who are at average risk of colon cancer, a colonoscopy is still recommended for persons who are over the age of fifty and earlier if there is a family history.

Prior to this time, the only other colonoscopy alternative was the fecal occult blood test which checks for the presence of blood in the stool. This test is not very specific since blood in the stool can be present for reasons other than colon cancer and isn't very sensitive since it can give negative results despite a colon cancer being present. This new screening test is more sensitive and specific than the occult blood test. It involves taking a sample of stool and using DNA testing performed by a laboratory to check for the presence of genetic material in the stool that might indicate the presence of colon cancer.

The beauty of this colonoscopy alternative is a sample of stool can be taken at home using a special kit and the results mailed to a laboratory for analysis. This eliminates the need for extensive prep or a visit to the doctor's office. Most patients who have tried this screening test in studies found it to be easy to use. The bad news is this test is not yet widely available and hasn't been approved for use by the FDA as of yet. This may limit its accessibility. It may not completely eliminate the need for a colonoscopy. If the DNA screening test should give positive results, a colonoscopy would still be needed to localize the cancer.

While this colonoscopy alternative has a great deal of potential, until it's more widely available it's advisable that a screening colonoscopy be carried out at the age of fifty or older to detect cancers and precancerous lesions. If there's a family history of colon cancer, your doctor may recommend a screening colonoscopy earlier. Using colonoscopy to locate and remove precancerous polyps and cancers can be live saving. The risks of colonoscopy include a very small risk of puncturing the intestinal wall which could be life threatening. If DNA screening as a colonoscopy alternative becomes widely available, it would eliminate this potential risk.

Keep your eyes open for more information about this colonoscopy alternative and follow your doctor's advice about getting screened for colon cancer. It could save your life.