Why Did I Receive a Colon Cancer Test Like Cologuard in the Mail?

Your health insurance company reviewed your age and health information and identified you as someone who is due for colorectal cancer screening based on national guidelines. Rather than waiting for you to schedule an appointment, they sent a test directly to you to make screening easier to complete. This is typically offered at no extra cost to you as a covered benefit.

It depends on your personal and family health history. Tests like this are generally intended for people aged 45+ and at average risk of colorectal cancer, with no symptoms and no personal or family history that would place them at higher risk. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, symptoms like blood in your stool, or a prior abnormal screening result, talk to your doctor before using ause-at-home test — a colonoscopy may be recommended instead.

Colorectal cancer screening isn't one-size-fits-all. Broadly:

• Colonoscopy examines the entire colon directly and can remove polyps during the same procedure. It's typically done every 10 years for average-risk adults, but requires bowel prep and a day for the procedure and recovery.
• Stool-based tests (including mt-sDNA tests like Cologuard, as well as FIT tests) are done at home and mailed to a lab. They don't require bowel prep, but they need to be repeated more often. FIT tests are used each year, while Cologuard is used every three years. An abnormal result requires a follow-up colonoscopy. According to the Affordable Care Act, most follow-up colonoscopies are covered at no additional cost.