27/03/2026
What’s the difference between screening and prevention when it comes to colon cancer, and why does it matter?
In this clip from Episode 27 of the Innersight Podcast, Dr. Botes unpacks a key concept for anyone taking a proactive approach to their health:
✅ Screening is about detecting cancer early
✅ Prevention is about stopping it before it starts
Understanding this distinction can help you make more informed decisions about your care.
It’s also important to recognise when something is no longer “screening.” If you’re experiencing symptoms such as visible blood in your stool, this becomes a matter of diagnosis, and requires proper investigation, often with a colonoscopy.
Stool and blood-based tests can be useful tools, but they do have limitations. In many cases, a positive result will still lead to a colonoscopy.
So it’s worth asking: what is the most effective approach from the start?
A colonoscopy remains the gold standard because it:
➡️ Detects cancer with over 99% accuracy
➡️ Identifies and removes polyps before they develop into cancer
➡️ Serves both a diagnostic and preventative role
As Dr. Botes explains, if you have access, particularly in South Africa, it may be worth considering going directly to colonoscopy rather than relying on intermediate tests.
Taking an informed, proactive approach to your health can make a meaningful difference.
🎥 Watch the full episode ➡️ https://youtu.be/uOUUoDTuo2Q
🔴 Subscribe to the Innersight Podcast available on both YouTube, Spotify and Apple, by searching for Innersight Podcast.
**alCancer