Free colon cancer screening kits

Colon cancer screening is recommended for older people who are 50 years and above. The screening is done to help prevent colon cancer and find polyps for removal. Polyps are removed before they turn cancerous.

The two major types of colon cancer screening are stool-based tests and visual or structural exams.

Stool-based tests

The stool-based tests check the stool for any signs of cancer. The stool-based tests are less invasive and easier to do. These tests are typically done at home. Many people find these tests easier and more convenient than other tests such as visual exams and colonoscopy. However, these tests need to be done more often than others. If you perform a stool-based test and you got a positive result, you still need to undergo a colonoscopy to ascertain if you actually have cancer.

Types of stool-based tests

The different types of stool-based tests include:

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

This test involves searching for hidden blood in your stool. The idea behind this test is that blood vessels in larger colorectal polyps or cancers are often fragile and are easily damaged by stool passage. The damaged blood vessels usually bleed into the colon or rectum. However, there is rarely enough bleeding for blood to be seen by the ordinary naked eye in the stool.

The test is used to check for hidden blood in the stool. If there are hidden blood in your stool, it indicates that you may have colorectal cancer. This test must be done every year. You can do this test by yourself at home.

When you want to do this test, you don’t need to take any drug or follow a dietary plan or restrictions.

Collecting the samples for this test

Your health care provider will provide you with the things you need for this test.

Supplies that you need for this test include a test kit, test cards or tubes, long brushes or other collecting devices, waste bags, and a mailing envelope. Within the kit, there are detailed instructions on how to collect the samples. Follow the instructions that come with your kit. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions or you need clarification on how to use the kit.

After you have collected samples of your stool, return them as instructed in the kit to your health care provider.

A positive test is when hidden blood is found in the stool while a negative test is when no blood is found. If the test result is positive, a colonoscopy will need to be done to get a more accurate result.

Stool DNA test

A stool DNA test looks for certain abnormal sections of DNA from cancer or polyp cells and also for hidden blood. Colorectal cancer or polyp cells often have DNA mutations in certain genes. Cells with these mutations often get into the stool. The stool DNA test may be able to find the cells with these mutations.

This test should be done every 3 years. You can do it yourself in the privacy of your home. There are no drug or dietary restrictions for this test.

Collecting the samples

You will be mailed a kit that you will use to collect your entire stool sample at home. The kit will typically include a sample container, a bracket for holding the container in the toilet, a bottle of liquid preservative, a tube, labels, and a shipping box. You will find detailed instructions on how to collect the sample within the kit.

Follow the instructions on how to use the kit. Contact your doctor’s office if you have any questions or inquiries on how to use the kit. After you have collected your sample, return it to your doctor as instructed.

A positive test is when DNA changes or blood is found. If your test is positive, a colonoscopy will also be done for a more accurate result.

Visual (structural) exams

The visual or structural exams look at the inside of the colon and rectum for any abnormal polyps or cancer. These exams are usually done in a doctor’s office. They require some preparations and dietary restrictions. They are done less often than stool-based tests.

Visual or structural exams are not done at home. You can’t do these exams by yourself, a doctor will need to do these exams for you. No kits are sent to you for home use because you can’t do it by yourself. Examples of visual colon exams include colonoscopy, CT colonography, and flexible sigmoidoscopy

How can I get a free bowel screening kit?

To get a free bowel screening kit, you need to consult with your doctor. If you are 50 and above, you can talk to your doctor about getting a free kit for bowel screening. Your doctor will provide you with options on how to get a free kit. You can also get a free bowel screening kit by calling the Cancer Services Program in your region to know if you are eligible for a free kit. If you are eligible, a free kit will be mailed to you.

How accurate are home colon cancer tests?

Home colon cancer tests such as stool-based tests are quite accurate. However, if you have a positive stool-based test, you will still need to undergo a colonoscopy test for a more accurate result. If you have a negative stool-based test, you may not need to undergo a colonoscopy.

Are At-home colon cancer tests accurate?

Home colon cancer tests are quite accurate. Home colon cancer tests such as cologuard can provide a 92% accuracy while a colonoscopy can provide a 95% accuracy. After undergoing a home colon cancer test, you will need to also undergo a colonoscopy test if your home colon test was positive. Undergoing a colonoscopy after your home colon test helps to confirm the result for accuracy.

How do you get a bowel cancer screening kit?

You can get a bowel screening test by contacting your doctor to know your options on how to get a screening kit. You can also call the Cancer Services Program in your region to know if you are eligible for a free kit. You will be mailed a screening kit if you are eligible. You can as well call your health insurance company to make inquiries on how you can get a bowel cancer screening kit.

How can you test for colon cancer at home?

You can test for colon cancer at home by conducting the stool-based tests mentioned above.

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