"Colonoscopy is considered the gold-standard when screening for colorectal cancer," says gastroenterologist Dr. Brian McGee, ...

The recommended age to start screening for colorectal cancer was lowered in 2021 from 50 to 45 for people of average risk.

Meanwhile, stool-based testing is non-invasive, readily available, carries no risks, and can be done in the comfort of the patient's home and mailed in.

Blood tests are “better than nothing,” but they’re still not as good as the stool test or a colonoscopy, Schoen said. The blood tests only detect about 12–13% of advanced polyps, he added.