While a colonoscopy is the best way to find and treat colon cancer or emerging signs of the condition, many people have fallen behind on getting their screenings this year.

An at-home colon cancer test is less precise, but can catch a high percentage of colon cancer cases. The Cologuard test is available by prescription from health care providers at Norton Prompt Care at Walgreens clinics.

Norton Prompt Care at Walgreens

With eight clinic locations and extended hours, a colon cancer screening is easy and close by.

Call (502) 629-1234, option 3

Here’s how it works:

Schedule a well visit to speak with a Norton Prompt Care at Walgreens provider about Cologuard.
The kit will be mailed to you — no special prep, no need for time off or changes to your diet or medication.
Collect a stool at home and mail the kit back.
Results will be available in your free MyNortonChart account, and you’ll be contacted by your Norton Prompt Care at Walgreens provider. The result also will be forwarded to your primary care provider.

The eight Norton Prompt Care at Walgreens clinics in Louisville and Southern Indiana are staffed by Norton Healthcare providers. Most insurance plans are accepted, and self-pay options are available. You can schedule your appointment conveniently online or by calling (502) 629-1234, option 3.

Those over 45 should get tested every three years. Those with a history of colon cancer, adenomas or other related cancers or other high risks for colon cancer and those 75 or older should have a colonoscopy.

Cologuard pros

Your part — collecting a stool sample — is done at home.
By looking for DNA mutations and other signs of possible colon cancer, the test can identify colon cancer in its early stages, before symptoms appear.
No bowel prep or dietary restrictions are required.
There’s no anesthesia, and it’s noninvasive.
If you’re uninsured, it’s cheaper than a colonoscopy.
Insurance typically covers most, if not all, of colon cancer screenings, including Cologuard. According to Cologuard, more than 94% of its patients have no out-of-pocket expense.

Cologuard cons

If you test positive, you’ll still need a colonoscopy. The positive test may decrease the insurance reimbursement for your colonoscopy because it would be considered diagnostic, not screening, at that point.
Unlike a colonoscopy, the test does not treat colon cancer, because it does not allow for immediate removal of polyps or tumors.
It doesn’t examine the entire colon.
If you’re uninsured, it’s more expensive than a fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
It’s not available if you have higher-than-average risk.
A clinical study showed 13% of patients without cancer still tested positive (false positive). False negatives — colon cancer cases Cologuard missed — were 8%.

Norton Prompt Care at Walgreens offering at-home colon cancer tests

Norton Prompt Care at Walgreens offering at-home colon cancer tests

An at-home colon cancer test is less precise, but can catch a high percentage of colon cancer cases. Cologuard is available by prescription from health care providers at Norton Prompt Care at Walgreens clinics.