What should I do if I want to use a stool test?

You can get a test online or at a drug store, but it’s best to speak with your doctor to choose the right colorectal cancer screening test for you. Your doctor can give you a trustworthy test, explain the results, and guide you on what to do next.

What causes a positive result?

Stool tests are used to identify small traces of blood in feces that are not visible to the naked eye. The tests cannot determine why or what may be causing the bleeding, but only that blood is present in your stool sample. Besides looking for blood in the stool, the mt-sDNA test also checks for abnormal DNA. If it finds either, you may receive a positive test result. But does a positive stool test mean cancer? No, but you will need a follow-up colonoscopy to determine why the test was positive.

Will a colon cancer test from a drug store work?

If you obtain a stool test from a drug store or health fair, it will likely work. However, we highly recommend either obtaining the test from your doctor and/or getting your doctor involved right away. We understand it may be more convenient and cost effective for you to buy and take the test on your own. If that’s the case, we recommend: Carefully read and follow the directions. Let your doctor’s office know you are taking the test (and which one). Follow up with your doctor’s office so they know you’ve completed your screening. Make sure they get a copy of the result. In the event of a positive result, schedule your follow-up colonoscopy within 90 days. If your test result is negative, plan to test again soon. (Discuss with your doctor the best time frame for you.)

Will my insurance pay for my stool test for colorectal cancer screening?

For most patients, the at-home tests for colorectal cancer screening are covered by insurance. If the test result is abnormal and a follow-up colonoscopy is needed, patients with private insurance, Medicare, and most Medicaid patients should not have out-of-pocket costs. This is a recent change following extensive advocacy from Fight CRC and our partners.

If I’m experiencing a symptom, does that mean I have colorectal cancer?

No! There are many other conditions that cause the same signs as colorectal cancer. An infection, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other GI issues can also cause similar symptoms to colon and rectal cancers. In some cases, treatment for these diseases—for example, surgery—may follow a similar path to colorectal cancer treatment. Also, irritable bowel disorders (IBD) raise someone’s risk for colorectal cancer. Talking about a prevention plan (such as earlier or more frequent screenings, for example) for colon cancer, if you have IBD, is important.

Does my age impact if I should see a doctor if I have symptoms?

Your age may increase your risk of getting colorectal cancer, but it won’t impact the symptoms. Anyone, at any age, can get colorectal cancer. If you’re seeing symptoms, regardless of your age, talk to a doctor and push for colorectal cancer screening. If your doctor refuses to consider colorectal cancer because of your age, seek out a second opinion. Note: If you get a colonoscopy because of symptoms, this will be billed as a "diagnostic procedure" rather than preventive screening.

Do I have to get screened even if I’m not seeing signs and symptoms?

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" hover_type="none" first="true"][fusion_text hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0"] YES: Do not wait until you have signs and symptoms before getting screened for colorectal cancer. Problems found after you begin seeing signs and symptoms often could be avoided with on-time screening. Often, early-stage cancers do not present signs and symptoms. It’s critical for you to get colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45. Age is one of the biggest factors that increases your risk. [/fusion_text][fusion_button link="https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/facts/screening/" target="_self" aria_role_button="0" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" color="custom" button_gradient_top_color_hover="var(--awb-custom_color_2)" button_gradient_bottom_color_hover="var(--awb-custom_color_2)" linear_angle="180" accent_hover_color="var(--awb-color1)" stretch="default" icon_position="left" icon_divider="no" hover_transition="text_slide_up" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0"]screening options[/fusion_button][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Does colorectal cancer always have symptoms?

No! It’s not uncommon for people diagnosed in the early stages of colon cancer (stage I or II) to not experience any symptoms. Sometimes, but not always, it’s not until colorectal cancer has grown into stages III or IV that symptoms appear. If caught early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable. Some patients who undergo screening have a polyp removed, or cancer discovered, yet had no idea anything was wrong.

Dysplasia describes how developed the polyp appears when viewed under a microscope. All adenomas are dysplastic. Pathologists use the term “high-grade dysplasia” to distinguish polyps that appear to be seriously abnormal.

What if I've had an adenoma in the past?

If you’ve had an adenoma in the past, you are more likely to develop new adenomas in the future. The number and size of adenomas helps determine how often you will need to repeat a colonoscopy. It’s also very important to tell your biological relatives (parents, siblings, children) if you've had adenomatous polyps, because they are more likely to get them too. Like you, they will need to be screened for colorectal cancer more frequently. They may also need to start screening earlier.

FAQs

Who we are

December 17, 2024
What should I do if I want to use a stool test?
December 17, 2024
What causes a positive result?
December 17, 2024
Will a colon cancer test from a drug store work?
December 17, 2024
Will my insurance pay for my stool test for colorectal cancer screening?
December 17, 2024
If I’m experiencing a symptom, does that mean I have colorectal cancer?
December 17, 2024
Does my age impact if I should see a doctor if I have symptoms?
December 17, 2024
Do I have to get screened even if I’m not seeing signs and symptoms?
December 17, 2024
Does colorectal cancer always have symptoms?
December 17, 2024
What is dysplasia?
December 17, 2024
What if I’ve had an adenoma in the past?

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