The simple answer is No. Is the Cologuard answer better than no test at all? Yes! All Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio (GCSA) physicians agree that any CRC screening test is better than doing nothing at all. Patients need to understand the limitations and costs of CRC screening tests before making the testing decision with their physician.
We are sure you have seen one of the many attention-grabbing commercials for Cologuard stating all kinds of facts and how easy the process is. Cologuard is spending millions on advertising, but it’s impossible for patients to get all the information they need in a TV commercial. It’s true, Cologuard offers benefits of comfort and convenience, but the Cologuard test is not recommended by GCSA physicians as a replacement for a colonoscopy.
Colon cancer claims over 50,000 lives every year and is the 2nd most common cause of cancer death in the US. Colon cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable – but only with early and accurate detection.
Undergoing a colonoscopy may not be the most pleasant experience one could have, but once it is complete, there is not only a lasting peace of mind, most will not need to have the test performed again for another 10 years. However, due to its inability to detect most high-risk precancers, patients who bypass a colonoscopy for a Cologuard screening will need to repeat the test in just three years.
Cologuard vs Colonoscopy
Here are some facts about Cologuard vs Colonoscopy:
Cologuard Test: Detection Not Prevention
The Cologuard test is designed to detect cancer not prevent it. Cologuard can only detect 42% of large polyps, while a colonoscopy can detect 95% of large polyps.
When polyps are detected during a colonoscopy they are removed at the same time. If polyps are detected with Cologuard, a colonoscopy must be performed to remove them.
The majority of large precancerous polyps cannot be detected with Cologuard. This may give patients a false sense that they are preventing colon cancer by taking the Cologuard test.
In short, there is no true replacement for a colonoscopy. Thanks to its overwhelming success rate at detecting colorectal cancer even before it develops, the disease has become one of the most preventable forms of cancer. While other tests such as Cologuard are available and may have some benefits such as requiring minimal preparation and invasiveness, the results provided are less reliable, and patients whose results do indicate a problem will still need to undergo a colonoscopy for confirmation.
GCSA looks forward to continuing to serve our community to help prevent colon cancer – the 2nd most common cause of cancer death in our country, claiming more than 50,000 lives a year. We encourage everyone to make an informed decision for CRC screening with the help of your physician.
Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio (GCSA) accepts most insurances, including HMO, PPO, Medicare and Medicaid plans.
Colonoscopies typically receive excellent insurance coverage, and we accept a wide variety of plans to make screening for colorectal cancer affordable for as many people as possible. However, your plan may still require some out-of-pocket contribution. We offer CareCredit® and in-house financing to make sure you can access this important procedure. To learn more about insurance and financial policies, visit our FAQ.
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