Mayo offers at-home colon cancer test; stool sample goes in the mail

Patients often plead they'll do anything to avoid a colonoscopy for cancer screening. Now doctors at the Mayo Clinic have an alternative that will put that sentiment to the test. Mayo officials announced Monday they will be the first in the United States to offer patients the Cologuard test, by which patients collect their stool samples and mail them in sealed containers for DNA analysis of their colon cancer risks. While the colonoscopy will remain the gold standard for colon cancer screening — particularly among elderly adults with family histories of the disease — Mayo officials said this alternative will lead to more screening of adults who are squeamish about a rectal exam and will identify more colon cancers at early and treatable stages.