There are many choices for early detection

The stool DNA test is a noninvasive test for adults 45 and older at average risk for colon cancer. Like the fecal occult blood test, the stool DNA Test detects microscopic amounts of blood in stool, but it also looks for certain DNA changes and mutations found in cancerous tumors or precancerous polyps. Cells from precancerous and cancerous lesions with these mutations often shed DNA biomarkers into the stool, where this test can detect them, therefore indicating the presence of precancerous polyps or colon cancer. The test is done at home by collecting a stool sample and shipping it to a laboratory for analysis.

Because DNA changes and mutations may differ between colon cancers, the stool DNA test targets multiple DNA markers to achieve high detection rates. Also, because DNA markers may be present in only trace quantities in stool, very sensitive laboratory methods are used to detect the markers. The stool DNA test demonstrates high detection rates of early-stage colon cancer.

In August 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cologuard, the first stool-based DNA colon cancer screening test. Since then, the screening test was included as a preferred screening option by the United States Preventive Services Task Force in its most updated 2016 guidelines.  Learn more about this screening method.

For more information about the stool DNA test, please call the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s free Helpline at (877) 422-2030.

 

Advantages

Test is shipped directly to and from a patient's home.

Test is completed in the privacy of your own home.

No prep required; no dietary restrictions or changes to medications necessary.

Greater accuracy than FIT.

 

Disadvantages

If any abnormalities are detected, a follow-up colonoscopy is necessary.

More expensive than FIT if the test is not covered by insurance.

 

What can I expect for a bill?

Most patients 45+ should have no out-of-pocket costs for colorectal cancer screening, per guidelines from the United States Preventive Services Task Force. Self-pay patients who pay up-front for stool DNA test are eligible for a prompt-pay discount that reduces the overall self-pay price. When pre-paid in full, the cost is around $565.

 

Will my insurance cover it?

Under the Affordable Care Act, if you have insurance, 100% of the cost of preventive services should be covered. So most insured patients pay $0. This test is approved for coverage through Medicare and most Medicaid programs.

Most other insurance companies also cover the cost of this test.

 

The prep

No prep needed! You can maintain your normal diet and medications.

 

The procedure

After your healthcare provider prescribes a stool DNA test, UPS will send you the sample collection kit. In the privacy of your own home, you’ll collect a stool sample utilizing the kit provided to you. Once you collect the sample, you’ll package it in a prepaid, pre-addressed box. From there, the package will be shipped via UPS to the laboratory.

 

How often (if not high risk)

Every three years, but be sure to discuss this with your healthcare professional.