At-Home Colorectal Cancer Screening: What You Should Know

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Colorectal cancer causes an estimated 50,000 deaths annually. But it's also one of the most treatable forms of cancer—if detected early.

In fact, in many cases, screening can prevent the disease from developing.

"Healthcare authorities, such as the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, recommend people at an average risk of colorectal cancer begin colon cancer screening exams at age 45 and up," says Dr. Derek Cheng, a gastroenterologist at Cedars-Sinai.

"The best screening test is the one that gets done. So, if people aren't willing to undergo a colonoscopy, we still want them to consider the at-home testing options."

Unfortunately, only about half of Americans stick to the recommended screening schedule. One reason for the low uptake: The gold standard screening exam, a colonoscopy, requires a somewhat unpleasant "bowel prep" that involves fasting for hours and taking a powerful bowel-clearing substance. Other obstacles include the fear of undergoing sedation, needing to take time off of work and not being able to drive yourself to and from the exam.

But colorectal cancer screening test kits are beginning to create an uptick in screening rates. These tests are safe, effective and require almost zero pre-test prep. Plus, you can do them from the comfort of your home.

Becoming savvy about colon cancer screening

There's no debate that colonoscopy is still the most effective screening exam for colon cancer. The first-rate exam not only detects colon cancers with about 98% accuracy, but it also allows doctors to remove precancerous and cancerous polyps during the procedure. But patients now have other options.

"The best screening test is the one that gets done," says Dr. Cheng. "So, if people aren't willing to undergo a colonoscopy, we still want them to consider the at-home testing options."

Certain lifestyle habits can increase your risk of developing colon cancer, including smoking, heavy drinking, physical inactivity and poor dietary habits. If you have a family history of the disease or regularly engage in habits that can harm your colon, talk to your doctor about initiating colon cancer screening before age 50.