Cologuard is less accurate than acolonoscopythe preferred method of screeningand is not a replacement for that test.
However, it may be appropriate for people who might otherwise avoidcolon cancer screening.
Cologuard is also less costly than a colonoscopy and may be fully covered by insurance.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
What Is the Cologuard Test?
Cologuard has gained popularity since its approval in 2014.
These cells end up in the stool along with traces of blood from bleeding tumors.
Who Should Use the Cologuard Test?
Despite its convenience and ease of use, Cologuard may not detect early-stageprecancerousgrowths.
A person at average risk has about a 4% chance of developing colon cancer.
Cologuard should not be used in people at high risk for colon cancer; colonoscopy remains the preferred choice.
Having genetic mutations for cancer doesnt mean you will get cancer but it does greatly increase your risk.
Choosing Cologuard
Cologuard is approved for use in people at average risk of colon cancer.
You will need a prescription from your healthcare provider to get a Cologuard kit.
Test results will either be negative or positive.
A positive result does not mean you have cancer.
This may occur if the test is not performed properly.
How Much Does it Cost?
On paper, there is an enormous difference in the cost of Cologuard versus the cost of colonoscopy.
Even so, your actualout-of-pocket costs(meaning the amount not covered by insurance) may be the same.
This doesnt mean that there will benoout-of-pocket expenses for provider visits and other care-related costs.
But studies have shown that the average out-of-pocket costs for a colonoscopy are around $79.
Cologuard Pros and Cons
There are pros and cons to both Cologuard and colonoscopy.
Cologuard involves collecting a stool sample in the privacy of your home and mailing it to a lab.
There is no sedation oranesthesiainvolved.
With that said, if a positive result is returned, a colonoscopy would be needed.
Theremoval of polypsis a preventive measure to reduce your risk of colon cancer.
Test Accuracy
Another difference is in the accuracy of the two tests.
Of the two, colonoscopy is more accurate and needs to be performed less often as a result.
Thespecificity(ability to correctly identify peoplewithoutcancer) of the Cologuard test is up to 87%.
The sensitivity (ability to correctly identify peoplewithcancer) of Cologuard is 92%.
Accuracy of Colonoscopy
Because colonoscopy directly visualizes the colon, it can detect both cancerous tumors and precancerous polyps.
Colonoscopy has up to 95% specificity and an average sensitivity of about 93%.
Summary
Cologuard is a noninvasive screening tool for colon cancer and precancerous polyps.
It looks for cancer-related genetic mutations and evidence of blood in the stool.
The test is collected in the privacy of your own home.
after you grab a sample ready, you send it to the lab for testing.
Cologuard has gained popularity because its less invasive and more convenient than going in for a diagnostic colonoscopy.
It also comes with drawbacks, including concerns about accuracy and the need for more frequent testing.
A Word From Verywell
Both Cologuard and colonoscopy come with pros and cons.
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