Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be over 100,000 new cases of colon cancer in 2022 alone.

Traditionally, the main way to detect colon cancer is through invasive procedures like colonoscopies.

The problem with traditional methods

Colonoscopies are invasive procedures and require patients to undergo bowel prep, which can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. Additionally, the procedure itself can be painful and comes with risks like bleeding, infection, and perforation of the colon.

Many patients avoid getting screened altogether due to the discomfort and risks involved with traditional methods.

A new solution: stool-based tests

Stool-based tests are a new and revolutionary way to screen for colon cancer. These tests detect DNA mutations and other biomarkers in the stool that are associated with colon cancer.

Different types of stool-based tests include fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), and multi-target stool DNA tests (MT-sDNA).

How stool-based tests work

Stool-based tests are non-invasive and require no bowel prep. Patients simply collect a small sample of their stool at home and send it to a lab for testing. The lab analyzes the sample for biomarkers associated with colon cancer.

If any abnormalities are detected, the patient is referred for further testing, such as a colonoscopy.

The benefits of stool-based tests

Stool-based tests have several benefits over traditional methods:.

Non-invasive – no bowel prep or procedure required
Convenient – can be done from home
Effective – studies have shown that stool-based tests are as effective as colonoscopies at detecting colon cancer
Cost-effective – stool-based tests are often covered by insurance and are generally less expensive than colonoscopies

Are stool-based tests right for you?

If you are between the ages of 50 and 75, you should be screened for colon cancer.

Stool-based tests are a great option for individuals who are at average risk for colon cancer and want to avoid the discomfort and risks associated with traditional methods. However, individuals who are at high risk for colon cancer due to family history or other factors may need more frequent or intensive screening.

Conclusion

Stool-based tests are a revolutionary way to screen for colon cancer. They are non-invasive, convenient, and effective. If you are due for a colon cancer screening, talk to your healthcare provider about whether a stool-based test is right for you.