The AP reports that a separate study published in the NEJM “found that colonoscopies did a better job of finding polyps than another common screening tool – tests that look for blood in stool.”
Investigators looked at data on approximately 53,000 individuals who underwent either a “colonoscopy or a blood stool test.”
HealthDay reports that the researchers “found that fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) … yielded similar detection rates as colonoscopy in finding cancerous lesions.”
However, colonoscopy detected “more advanced polyps than FIT, though more people opted to participate in fecal testing.”
I am 68 years old and had never had a colonoscopy until last year. I only had 1 polyp and it was benign. The Dr. said I didn’t need another for 5 years. I was wondering if that is okay at my age or should it be sooner or a longer time frame. There is no history of colon cancer in my family but most other cancers much more so. I just want to be around to see my grandkids growing up. They range from 3 to 13.(my kids started late). I wish you were still in Bryson City to take care of me like you used to.
Fannie,
I always recommending following your doctor’s advice, or getting a second opinion, if you’re ever uncomfortable with the advice you are given.
Thanks for the kind words. They are a blessing to me.
By the way, I may be out at Fontana Village Resort doing a book signing for my newest book, Hazel Creek, around June 1-3.
I also will be in Bryson City from September 7-9 for the Horace Kephart Days events and will be doing a book signing for the sequel to Hazel Creek, a novel called Sugar Fork, at the Fryemont Inn on one of those evenings.
I hope I’ll get to see you at one or the other of the events.
Dr. Walt