When it comes to preventing colorectal cancer, early and accurate detection is critical. While at-home stool tests have gained attention in recent years, colonoscopy remains the most reliable and comprehensive method for screening. At Piedmont Colorectal Associates in Atlanta, our colon and rectal specialists recommend a colonoscopy for most patients due to its unmatched accuracy and ability to treat concerns during the same procedure. In this blog, you can explore the significant differences between the two approaches.
Understanding At-Home Stool Tests
At-home stool tests, including FIT (fecal immunochemical test), gFOBT (guaiac-based fecal occult blood test), and stool DNA tests (such as Cologuard®), detect hidden blood or DNA changes in stool samples. These tests may seem convenient, as they don’t require sedation or a medical visit, and can be done in the comfort of your home.
However, these tests come with significant limitations:
- They only detect potential signs of cancer, not precancerous polyps
- A positive result still requires a follow-up colonoscopy
- They must be repeated more frequently (every 1–3 years)
- False negatives or false positives are possible
While at-home tests may be appropriate for some low-risk patients who are unwilling or unable to undergo a colonoscopy, they should never be seen as a replacement for a full visual exam.
Why Colonoscopy Is the Gold Standard
A colonoscopy is a powerful diagnostic and preventive tool. It allows a trained specialist to examine the entire colon and rectum, identify and immediately remove polyps, and take biopsies if needed. This makes it not just a screening test, but also a treatment in the same appointment.
Key advantages of colonoscopy include:
- Detects and removes polyps before they turn into cancer
- Offers the highest accuracy of any screening method
- Only needs to be done once every 10 years for many patients
- Essential for those with symptoms or elevated risk
In short, colonoscopy is the most proactive and dependable approach to protecting your colorectal health.
Choose Confidence. Choose Expert Care.
At Piedmont Colorectal Associates, we prioritize your safety and long-term health. Our skilled specialists (consisting of four board-certified colorectal surgeons, one certified nurse practitioner, and one physician assistant) perform colonoscopies with precision and care, using the latest technology to ensure optimal outcomes.
If you’re due for a screening, don’t settle for uncertainty. Choose the test that finds and fixes problems early. Contact us in Atlanta, Georgia today at (404) 351-7900 to schedule your colonoscopy with our expert team.