Recent Blog Articles

Talking to your doctor about your LGBTQ+ sex life

Untangling grief: Living beyond a great loss

Thunderstorm asthma: Bad weather, allergies, and asthma attacks

Heart problems and the heat: What to know and do

I’m too young to have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, right?

Period equity: What it is and why it matters

Back pain: Will treatment for the mind, body—or both—help?

Colon cancer screening decisions: What’s the best option and when?

Cognitive effects in midlife of long-term cannabis use

If climate change keeps you up at night, here's how to cope
Cancer
Home screening options for colorectal cancer
- By Heidi Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter
Tests are quick and easy, without any prep required. But the tests aren’t for everyone.
Among the many things the pandemic has taught us, it’s that we can do more from home when it comes to our medical care — whether it’s getting a check-up via video or phone call (telemedicine) or sending blood pressure measurements to doctors electronically.
For some people, it’s also meant trying an at-home screening test for colorectal cancer. These tests have been approved for years, but are often passed over in favor of colonoscopies (see "The gold standard in colorectal cancer screening").
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
You might also be interested in…

Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder in which your gut becomes more sensitive and the muscles of your digestive system have abnormal contractions that affect your bowel movements. IBS cannot be cured, but the good news is it can be managed to minimize the effect on your overall health and quality of life. This report explores how your digestive system works and what science knows about this mysterious disorder. We’ll cover the types of IBS, how it’s diagnosed, and best of all, what you can do to control IBS instead of having it control you.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!