Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. and the second-leading cause of cancer death when men and women are combined.2 It's also one of the most screenable — and at-home stool tests have made that first step considerably easier to take.
Below, we cover how these tests work, how accurate they are, what to do if a result comes back positive, and how three widely available options compare.
At a Glance: Comparing At-Home Colon Cancer Tests
| Test | Price | Type | Prescription | Repeat Interval | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everlywell FIT Colon Cancer Screening Test | $49 | FIT | No | Annually | Mail-in, CLIA-certified lab, physician-reviewed |
| Labcorp OnDemand ColoFIT | ~$89 | FIT | No | Annually | Mail-in lab |
| Exact Sciences Cologuard Plus | Varies by plan | Stool DNA-FIT combination | Yes | About every 3 years | Mail-in lab |
What Are At-Home Colon Cancer Tests?
A colonoscopy is the only screening test that can both detect colorectal abnormalities and remove polyps during the same procedure, but at-home stool tests offer a noninvasive screening option that can be done without preparation or sedation, in the comfort of your own home. Most are fecal immunochemical tests (FITs), which detect hidden blood in stool — a common early sign of colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps. A newer category of at-home tests, stool DNA-FIT combination tests like Cologuard Plus, check for both blood and abnormal DNA markers in one sample.
It is recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that adults between the ages of 45 and 75 be screened for colorectal cancer, but a healthcare provider may recommend that people with a personal or family history of the cancer, people with increased risk for other reasons, or who are over the age of 75 be screened as well.1 Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. and the second-leading cause of cancer death when men and women are combined.2
What To Look for in an At-Home Colon Cancer Test
- FDA status and prescription requirements: Some FITs are OTC; combination stool DNA-FIT tests require a prescription.
- Where it's processed: Fully at-home (rapid-test style) vs. mailed to a lab (more oversight, a few extra days).
- Sensitivity and specificity: FITs can find most colorectal cancers, but it is less likely to find advanced polyps.3
- Follow-up support: Check whether the company helps with colonoscopy referral if you test positive.
- Cost, insurance, and re-testing interval: FITs are generally lower-cost and repeated annually, while stool DNA-FIT tests cost more and are generally repeated every 1-3 years after a negative result.4
Top At-Home Colon Cancer Testing Kits
- Everlywell FIT Colon Cancer Screening Test: $49, stool sample mailed to a CLIA-certified lab, physician-reviewed results in a few days. Intended for those between the ages of 45-75 or those who have an increased risk for colon cancer (such as family history). FSA/HSA eligible, free shipping.
- Labcorp OnDemand ColoFIT: ~$89, mail-in FIT, recommended annually for average-risk adults 45+. A negative result generally means repeating FIT in one year for average-risk screening.
- Exact Sciences Cologuard Plus: A combination stool DNA-FIT test. Stool DNA-FIT tests generally have higher sensitivity for colorectal cancer than FIT alone, but they also tend to have lower specificity and therefore more false-positive results.4 Cologuard Plus requires a prescription and is repeated about every 3 years. It's covered by Medicare and many major insurers for eligible patients, although coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan.
The core trade-off: standalone FITs are cheaper, simpler, annual tests; combination stool DNA-FIT testing costs more and needs a prescription but can catch more per test, hence the longer interval for retesting.
How Accurate Are At-Home Colon Cancer Tests?
No stool-based test matches a colonoscopy's sensitivity for existing cancer — which is why FIT tests are annual rather than every 10 years. A 2019 review found that FITs can find about 91% of colorectal cancers at one test cutoff. At another cutoff, it correctly rules out cancer about 95% of the time.3 Cologuard Plus can find about 95% of colorectal cancers and correctly rules out cancer about 91% of the time, based on FDA review data.5
Newer blood-based multi-cancer screening tests are in development, but they aren't recommended as a substitute yet. For more on how these options stack up, see our overview of at-home cancer screening test accuracy.
What To Do if Your Result Is Positive
A positive result doesn't mean cancer — blood in the stool can come from hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, IBD, ulcers, or polyps. It usually means a colonoscopy is needed to determine the cause of the positive result and, in some cases, remove polyps during the procedure.4 Don't skip that follow-up.
Differences Between At-Home Tests and Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy lets a healthcare provider see the colon directly, identify the source of bleeding, and remove polyps in the same procedure. Stool tests only flag whether blood or abnormal DNA is present.
That's the trade-off for convenience: colonoscopies are repeated every 10 years for average-risk adults with normal results, while stool tests are repeated far more often. If you're weighing the options, our guide to choosing a colorectal cancer test walks through each method.
Who Should Consider At-Home Testing?
At-home tests are generally appropriate for adults 45–75 at average risk of colorectal cancer.1 If you have a family history, IBD, or symptoms like rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or a persistent change in bowel habits, talk with a doctor about colonoscopy rather than starting with an at-home test.
When To See a Healthcare Provider
See a healthcare provider before screening at home if you have risk factors or symptoms noted above — colonoscopy, not a stool test, is the right next step. See a healthcare provider promptly after any positive at-home result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a FIT and a stool DNA-FIT test?
A FIT detects hidden blood in stool. A stool DNA-FIT combination test checks for both blood and abnormal DNA markers in the same sample. Stool DNA-FIT tests generally have higher sensitivity for colorectal cancer, but lower specificity — meaning more false positives.4
How often do you need to repeat an at-home colon cancer test?
FITs are generally repeated annually. Stool DNA-FIT tests are generally repeated every 1-3 years after a negative result.4
Does a positive result mean I have colon cancer?
No. Blood in the stool can come from hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, IBD, ulcers, or polyps. A positive result means a colonoscopy is needed to find the cause.4
Can an at-home test replace a colonoscopy?
Not entirely. A colonoscopy is the only screening test that can detect abnormalities and remove polyps in the same procedure. Stool tests are a noninvasive screening option, and a positive result still leads to a colonoscopy.
Do you need a prescription for an at-home colon cancer test?
It depends on the test. Some FITs are available over the counter, while combination stool DNA-FIT tests require a prescription.
At what age should colorectal cancer screening start?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for adults between the ages of 45 and 75. A provider may recommend screening earlier or later based on personal or family history and other risk factors.1
Screen Early With Everlywell
At-home stool tests offer a noninvasive screening option for adults with an average risk of colorectal cancer. The Everlywell FIT Colon Cancer Screening Test offers a physician-reviewed way to check for hidden blood for adults 45–75 or those with elevated risk.
Whichever test fits, the important step is following through — talk with a healthcare provider about the right screening schedule, and follow up promptly on any positive result.
References
- Screening for colorectal cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Medical Citation URL. Accessed August 14, 2026.
- Key statistics for colorectal cancer. American Cancer Society. Medical Citation URL. Accessed August 14, 2026.
- Imperiale TF, Gruber RN, Stump TE, Emmett TW, Monahan PO. Performance characteristics of fecal immunochemical tests for colorectal cancer and advanced adenomatous polyps: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2019;170(5):319-329. doi:10.7326/M18-2390
- Colorectal cancer: screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Published May 18, 2021. Medical Citation URL. Accessed August 14, 2026.
- CRC sensitivity comparable to colonoscopy. Cologuard for HCPs. Exact Sciences. Medical Citation URL. Accessed August 14, 2026.
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