Is At-Home Cancer Screening A Reliable Option For Cervical Cancer or Colon Cancer?
Catching cancer early can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment and survival. Some tests can spot abnormalities even before signs or symptoms appear. Unfortunately, many people avoid colonoscopies (to detect colon cancer) or Pap smears (to test for cervical cancer) because they find them invasive, uncomfortable, or embarrassing.
At-home cancer screening tests offer new ways for people to screen from the comfort and privacy of home at their convenience. But are these tests as accurate as going to the doctor’s office?
New At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening Option Now Available
The first at-home screening device for cervical cancer was approved by the FDA in 2024. It enables women to self-collect vaginal cells to test for human papilloma virus (HPV), the virus that causes nearly all cervical cancers. Now available by mail through an on-line registration process, the collected sample is sent to a certified lab for testing.
“This test is one of the first of its kind and has the potential to broaden HPV testing, especially for patients who may be hesitant to see a doctor,” says Heather Miller, MD, gynecologic oncologist with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute. “The studies show similar accuracy to detect HPV compared to Pap tests conducted during clinic visits.”
Dr. Miller stresses, however, that the test should be reserved for patients who are low risk and have no personal or family history of HPV or abnormal pap smears. “Any positive HPV test should prompt a visit to a gynecologist and further examination,” she said.
At-Home Options for Colon Cancer Screenings
The two most common ways to screen for colon cancer are colonoscopy (the procedure examines the inside of the colon to look for polyps or abnormal growths) and stool-based tests like the FIT (fecal immunochemical tests) or gFOBT (guaiac-based fecal occult blood tests) that check for traces of blood or abnormal DNA in the stool. Both types of screening tests are available for at-home use—some require a doctor’s order, while others can be bought over the counter.
The first at-home non-invasive test for colon cancer that detects both altered DNA and blood in stool was approved by the FDA in 2014. Once prescribed by a doctor or through telehealth, the kit is mailed with detailed instructions, and results are sent to your provider within one to two weeks.
According to Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute medical oncologist Anjan Patel, MD, the key benefits of at-home screening are their “ease of availability and affordability.” That may be a positive advantage given the alarming rise in colon cancer among people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. There are limitations, however.
“Results can vary depending on where the cancer may be in the colon,” said Dr. Patel. “These tests have limited efficacy. A positive test is helpful to identify the need for a colonoscopy, but a negative result does not confidently allow a person to avoid a scope test.” Like at-home cervical cancer tests, these tools are intended only for people at average risk.
Dr. Patel stresses that DNA-based testing is indicated for those who have had a negative colonoscopy in the past and not as an initial test. Additionally, he notes, “Colonoscopy also allows for the removal of potentially pre-cancerous polyps and the diagnosis of other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease during the procedure.”
It’s important to stay on schedule with all recommended cancer screenings.
Guidelines may differ based on your age, family history and lifestyle.
Guidelines may differ based on your age, family history and lifestyle.
A Pap test to screen for cervical cancer is advised for all women beginning at age 21 and continuing until age 65. Women from 21 to 29 should have a Pap test every three years. Beginning at age 30, a Pap test combined with human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is recommended every five years.
Colonoscopy screening should start at age 45 and be done every 10 years, unless recommended more often by your doctor, up until age 75. This screening can detect cancer early and help prevent it by finding and removing polyps—abnormal growths in the colon that can turn into cancer—during the procedure.
Talk to your healthcare provider to find out which screenings are right for you. Most are painless and covered by insurance plans or available through community prevention programs. Reducing cancer risk is definitely worth the effort.
Comments