Colorectal Cancer Screening

This test screens for cancer by checking the stool for certain DNA markers and blood. 

This test should be completed every three years. 

You will receive a Cologuard test in the coming weeks. The test will be sent to the home address listed in your patient records.

You will receive the test and instructions in the mail. Complete the test within 7 days. Collect your sample and mail it back the same day or the next day using the UPS® prepaid shipping label and the box the test arrived in.

Visit the Cologuard site for step-by-step instructions on how to collect the sample. Samples must be mailed back within a day of collection.

There is no prep needed and you can eat and drink as normal. You may want to delay your test if you have unusual diarrhea, your period or blood in your stool.

There is no cost to get the test, but you may receive a bill once the test is completed and returned. In most cases, the testing is paid for by your insurance. Call (844) 870-8870 to learn about costs, financial assistance programs or payment plan options.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women in the U.S. Colorectal cancer may be prevented through screening. When colorectal cancer is found in early stages, 9 out of 10 people have no evidence of their cancer 5 years later. All adults between 45 and 75 years old should be regularly screened.

Cologuard may contact you through text messages to provide status updates on when you will receive your test and to remind you to complete and return the test. To opt-out of text messages, reply STOP or call the following number. If you’d like to stop all communications from Cologuard, call (844) 870-8870 and press #1. 

Sanford Health offers at-home test kits to help meet the health care needs of patients. Stool-based tests are an easy and convenient screening option for those at average risk of colorectal cancer.

Regular screenings can identify cancer early when it can be prevented or easier to treat.

For efficiency, test kits are ordered by our chief medical officer on behalf of your primary care provider.

Sanford Health has partnered with Exact Sciences to send Cologuard test kits to eligible patients.

Mailing test kits directly to patients is common in the U.S. and has been shown to detect colorectal cancer early when it’s most treatable.

Exact Sciences is a health care provider covered by the same HIPAA privacy laws as Sanford Health and is required to maintain your confidentiality in the same manner. Disclosure of your information to Exact Sciences is needed to complete these tests and follows the treatment and coordination of care rules under HIPAA.

Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. Cancer occurs when cells divide and grow uncontrollably.

Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in men and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women, according to the American Cancer Society.

One in 23 men and one in 25 women will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime. The risk of developing colorectal cancer varies depending on personal risk factors.

Risk factors include:

• Age. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases after age 45.
• Family history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps
• Past diagnosis of colorectal cancer
• History of inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome

Lifestyle risk factors include:

• Diet
• Heavy alcohol intake and tobacco use
• Lack of regular physical activity
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes

A colonoscopy may be right for you if you have:

• A history of colorectal cancer, colon polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
• A parent or sibling with a history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps
• Symptoms of colorectal cancer, including abdominal pain, blood in your stool, changes in your bowel habits or unplanned weight loss

Log into My Sanford Chart. In the menu, select Personal Information under Account Settings. This will display your contact information, including your address and phone number. If you have more than one home or will be staying somewhere besides your primary address, you can add a temporary address.