Cologuard Test Brings Colon Cancer Screening Home

A new colon cancer screening kit called Cologuard can now be used at home, starting Monday at the Mayo Clinic, according to Fox News.

Estimates show that millions of Americans may avoid the test all-together. However, health officials are hoping this will provide a simpler, easier and potentially cheaper option for many who are reluctant to take the test. Furthermore, the test, which was available this year in August throughout the United States, is the first to draw from cancer-related DNA stool.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women start having a colonoscopy every 10 years, by age 50. However, various pre-existing health conditions may require younger individuals to have them more frequently--including certain types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

For anyone looking to try out the new test, here's how it works: a stool sample tests for blood that could suggest the risk of inflammation or a tumor. If the test comes back positive, a colonscopy is then required to detect the risk of the health issue. It costs about $599 for the test and is covered under Medicare, according to the Associated Press (AP).

As colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, alone, researchers note that while the verdict is still out on this product, they are hopeful that it could increase the chances of testing. However, many still believe that older testing methods may be better for detecting certain risks.

"You'd rather have more options than not, but I don't think there's enough data to declare this test superior to any other test," said Dr. Kenneth Lin, a Georgetown University family physician and former staff doctor.