At-Home Colon Cancer Tests - Let's be aware of this

It's normal to feel a little nervous and uncomfortable when told you have to have a colonoscopy. Many people avoid it because it requires a lot of preparation and takes a day off work. But did you know that there are tests you can do at home to detect colorectal cancer early? Although these have been around for a while, they have recently become popular among many people. Let's talk about this today.

What are these at-home colon cancer tests?

Simply put, these are tests that use a sample of your stool (poop sample) to look for signs of cancer or precancerous growths (polyps). The gold standard for detecting colon cancer is a colonoscopy. But doing that requires a visit to a doctor, anesthesia, and a thorough colon cleaning.

These tests are much easier and faster to do at home. They are also a good alternative for those who do not want to have a ``(Colonoscopy)`` or have difficulty finding the time for it. They are safe and effective, but both methods have their pros and cons. It is important to know these things before choosing the method that is right for you.

What types of tests are these?

There are three main types of at-home tests. All three involve collecting a stool sample, but they differ in how they work and how often they need to be done.

Who is this test best for?

According to medical guidelines, people at average risk for colon cancer should start screening from the age of 45 until at least age 75.

A home test may be a good option if you have the following conditions:

• If it is difficult to take time off work to prepare for and undergo a colonoscopy.
• If you have a fear of sedation.
• If you have other medical conditions that put you at a higher risk of complications from anesthesia.

Who is at higher-than-average risk?

However, if you are at high risk for colon cancer, the story is a little different. Such people may need to be screened at a younger age and more frequently. And they are often recommended to have a ``colonoscopy`` because it allows the doctor to look directly inside the colon and remove any polyps that could become cancerous.

You are considered to be at higher risk if:

• If someone in your family has had colon cancer, certain types of polyps, or genetic conditions that increase the risk of cancer.
• If you have previously had colon cancer or polyps that could become cancer.
• If you have other diseases of the colon or rectum, for example, conditions such as `(Ulcerative Colitis)` or `(Crohn's disease)`.

How does this home test work?

Each of these tests requires you to collect a stool sample, package it in a bag, and send it to a lab or doctor's office. You usually get this test kit with a prescription from a doctor.

Why do these tests look for blood in stool?

Imagine that you have large polyps or cancerous growths in your colon. The blood vessels in them are very fine. As stool passes through them, these fine blood vessels can become damaged, and small amounts of blood that are too small to be seen with the naked eye can be added to the stool. These tests look for that hidden blood.

How does the Cologuard test work?

The Cologuard test is a little different from the others because it requires you to send in a complete stool sample. This kit can be delivered to your home upon your doctor's recommendation. Using the equipment in the kit, you collect the stool sample, add a liquid to it, seal it, and send it to the lab.

In the lab, technicians, in addition to checking the stool for blood, also check for altered DNA that can escape from cancer cells.

How successful are these home tests?

Colonoscopy can detect about 99% of cancers. This percentage is slightly lower with home tests. But because they are done more frequently, there is a chance that something that was missed can be detected later.

• Cologuard: Detects about 9 out of 10 cancers.
• FIT test: Detects about 8 out of 10 cancers.
• gFOBT: Detects about 7 out of 10 cancers.

But there's something else here. That's "false positives." That is, the test shows you're at risk even though you don't actually have cancer. The Cologuard test is more likely to give these false positive results than the FIT test.

Ultimately, there is no solid evidence that any of these methods are significantly superior to the other methods in terms of saving lives. Doctors say that the best test is the one you do yourself. For some people, a colonoscopy every 10 years is easier than an annual home test. For others, a colonoscopy is a no-brainer. For those people, a home test is more effective.

What do you do after the results come in?

Whatever test you have, the results will be available within two weeks. After that , it's essential to talk to your doctor about it.

• Positive/Abnormal: If the result is 'positive', it means that blood or altered DNA has been found in the stool. Don't panic. As a next step, you will need to have a `Colonoscopy` to find out the exact cause.
• Negative/Normal: If the result is 'negative', it means that no risk factors were found. You can retest according to your normal testing schedule (in one year for `FIT`, in 3 years for `Cologuard`).

However, even if you have been tested, if you have the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately:

• Change in bowel habits (e.g. diarrhea, constipation).
• Blood in or with the stool.
• Persistent stomach pain or cramping.
• Weight loss for no reason.