Do They Work?

At-home screening is normally suggested to be taken alongside colonoscopies and other methods of testing. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that at-home colon cancer screening, specifically the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) may produce more accurate results than a colonoscopy (source).

The lead author notes that the FIT was able to positively identify colon cancer in 75-80% of the individuals. In comparison, colonoscopies are known to have a 95% detection rate.

How do these numbers translate in terms of efficacy? Taking into consideration cost and preparation time, patients are naturally averse towards taking colonoscopies for the simple reason that they take time. On the other hand, at-home colon cancer screening doesn’t pose the same barriers.

Because they are repeatable and affordable, at-risk individuals can test yearly, which further increases its credibility as a screening method.

People with average risk should have a colonoscopy every ten years. It’s important to note that polyps can evolve into colon cancer in 7 to 10 year’s time. But with at-home screening methods such as FIT, among others, patients can test yearly and keep track of their digestive tract health more rigorously.

How Accurate Are Home Colon Cancer Tests?

Depending on the test being taken, the accuracy of at-home CRC screening kits can go up to 90%. When taken alongside other screening methods, at-home testing becomes fool-proof.

Here’s how it usually works:

Limitations Of At-Home CRC Screening

At-home CRC kits are fully equipped with everything you need to identify either polyps, abnormal cell DNA, or bleeding. We recommend using more than one type to improve the accuracy of your results.

While useful in determining pre-cancer warnings, these are not to be treated as definitive diagnosis for colon cancer. Patients who test positive for at-home screening tests are required to take a colonoscopy in order to reach a conclusive diagnosis.

Even with these limitations, At-home kits remain to be useful and potentially life-saving, especially for individuals who are not aware of existing genetic disorders that may increase their risk of developing colon cancer.

Vice President of cancer screening at the American Cancer Society, Dr. Robert Smith, even notes that annual at-home testing can be as effective as colonoscopies (source).

How Much Do CRC Tests Cost?

In-house screening methods are the last thing from affordable. Colonoscopies can cost up to $3,000. Meanwhile, sigmoidoscopies range from $900 to $2,000.

In comparison, fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) can go as low as $4 per test. A more “advanced” kind of at-home testing can cost $8 per test. The Cologuard, which is considered to be the most expensive at-home testing kit, retails at $649. However, that price can still vary depending on the patient’s health insurance.

Self-screening kits for CRC are available in pharmacies. These can also be purchased online through Amazon. Consult your doctor for best home colon cancer screening kits available on the market.

Choosing the Right At-Home Colon Cancer Test

There are three kinds of at-home colon cancer tests available for use. These are:

Cologuard: the only FDA-approved stool DNA test

Cost

Cologuard is covered by Medicare, Medicare Advantages, as well as Medicaid in specific states (click here for the complete list). Cologuard is also in partnership with various private insurance companies. Contact your provider to learn more about deductibles and refundables.

Effectivity

Cologuard was able to detect 42% of high-risk precancers and 92% of colon cancers in their study of 10,000 people. The test was also able to detect positive signs of cancer or growth in 13% of people without cancer or precancer.

How to Use

Doctors order Cologuard on your behalf. Once the arrangement is done, expect the test kit to arrive at your doorstep. According to the instructions, only one stool sample is required. No dietary or medication changes are necessary. Ship the sample to your chosen lab, as specified in the instructions. Results are sent back in 2 weeks.

How It Works

Cologuard looks for traces of blood shed by polyps or growth along the colon lining. More importantly, Cologuard is the only at-home screening kit that can identify abnormal DNA just with stool alone.

Guaiac fecal occult blood testing (gFOBT)

Cost

Depending on the brand you choose, gFOBT tests can cost anywhere from $5 to $60.

Effectivity

The gFOBT is known to have reduced colon cancer mortalities by up to 25%.

How To Use

Patients are provided with three test cards. More test cards may be given depending on race, age, and overall risk factor. Separate bowel samples are collected from separate bowel movements. Be wary of adding water or urine to the sample since this may influence test results. Dietary restrictions are also applicable to preserve the accuracy of the results

How It Works

The gFOBT is similar to the FIT in that both tests are able to detect bleeding in the stool. This test uses a chemical indicator that changes in color when blood is present.

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

Cost

Depending on the brand you choose, FITs can cost anywhere from $10 to $200.

Effectivity

FIT is commonly preferred over gFOBT, and has been recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology as the better colorectal cancer detection test.

How to Use

No dietary or medical restrictions apply to an FIT. A special device included in the kit is designed to collect the stool onto a collection card. An average of three samples are collected from three separate bowel movements.

How It Works

FIT utilizes antibodies in detecting hemoglobin. If hemoglobin is present, the test can confirm signs of anemia or bleeding in the colon, which can be a sign of early polyp growth.

A Single Swipe Can Save Your Life

Talk to us and learn more about at-home colon cancer screening and on-site testing today.

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