Health Watch: A Promising At-Home Colon Cancer Test

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A new at-home test to check for colon cancer is showing promising results. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic say the results are impressive.

Colon cancer is preventable and curable if caught early, yet millions of Americans don't get screened.

Now, the test, called the Cologuard, detects blood in a patient's stool sample as well as DNA changes that can be a sign of cancer or precancerous polyps.

Mayo researchers say the test detected 92.3 percent of all colon cancers.

Cologuard doesn't require any preparation or diet restrictions.

A government panel will decide whether to recommend the test for approval in the U.S. later this month.