Written by Jillian Foglesong Stabile, MD, FAAFP, DABOM on March 18, 2026. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.
Finding cancer at its earliest stages is vitally important. This is because early detection often means that cancer is smaller and more treatable, improving survival rates as well as decreasing physical, emotional, and financial costs associated with cancer and treatment. Early detection may increase the options for treatment, allowing for more targeted therapies.
Public health initiatives have aimed to increase cancer screening awareness because of the impacts that regular screening has on early cancer detection and improved mortality rates. There are many cancers that have options and recommendations for regular screening. Ultimately, early detection of cancer can reduce healthcare costs and save lives.
Understanding At-Home Cancer Screening Tests
Advancements in testing technology and an increased demand for convenient options have led to an increase in options for at-home cancer tests. These tests can generally be done with saliva, urine, stool, or self-collected swabs. At-home cancer screening tests may not be the best option for everyone, but for most people at average risk for cancer, at-home screening tests can offer increased access to regular screening.
Types of At-Home Cancer Screening Tests Available
Colorectal Cancer
There are several at-home testing options for colorectal cancer:
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): Detects hidden (occult) blood in the stool that isn’t visible to the eye. This test typically involves collecting multiple samples on small cards and mailing them to a lab or healthcare provider. It is usually performed once a year.
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): Also detects blood in the stool but typically requires only one sample. Like FOBT, the sample is collected at home and mailed in for analysis. This test is also recommended annually.
- Multitarget stool DNA test: Screens for both blood in the stool and changes in DNA from cells shed into the stool. If results are negative, this test is generally performed every few years.
If any of these tests return abnormal results, a colonoscopy is typically recommended for further evaluation.
Cervical Cancer
New testing options for human papillomavirus (HPV)—the virus most commonly associated with cervical cancer—are now available for people at average risk.
- HPV self-collection testing: Allows women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) with a vagina to collect a vaginal swab themselves, which is then sent to a lab for analysis.
While this test must be ordered by a healthcare provider, sample collection can be done either in a clinical setting or from the comfort of home. Self-collection may be especially helpful for those who are uncomfortable with pelvic exams or face barriers to in-person care, such as transportation or time constraints. For individuals at average risk, testing is typically recommended every three years. If results are positive, follow-up with a healthcare provider is recommended for further evaluation and care.
Prostate Cancer
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing: Screens for prostate cancer by measuring PSA levels in the blood. New at-home options allow men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) to collect a small blood sample via finger prick and send it to a lab for analysis.
While prostate cancer screening is not universally recommended, many people still choose to get screened based on their individual risk factors and preferences. At-home PSA testing has been shown to be accurate, offering a more convenient way to monitor prostate health.
Other Emerging Tests
There are additional testing options available that can help assess cancer risk or detect early signs of cancer.
- Genetic cancer risk testing: Helps identify whether you may have an increased risk for certain cancers based on inherited genetic factors.
- Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) testing: Screens for signals associated with multiple types of cancer by analyzing DNA shed by cancer cells into the bloodstream.
Genetic testing can provide helpful insights, but it may not offer a complete picture of your overall cancer risk. It’s important to review results with a healthcare provider or genetic counselor to fully understand what they mean for your health.
MCED tests, such as the Galleri® Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test, are not currently part of routine screening guidelines but may help detect cancer earlier in some cases. These tests can identify signals linked to more than 50 types of cancer and may play an increasingly important role in the future of cancer screening.
Multi-cancer detection testing is another test available direct-to-consumer. This type of testing is not part of the routine screening recommendations, but it can detect cancer early in some cases. This testing evaluates DNA from cells that are shed as cancer cells die. The Galleri test was the first test of this type and can detect more than 50 types of cancer. These tests may change the future landscape of cancer screening.
How to Choose the Right Test
Early cancer detection is vital because it can improve outcomes, but how do you choose the right test? Your healthcare provider can help you determine how often you should be screened and for what types of cancer. At-home cancer tests do not replace the need for a healthcare provider.
If you’ve chosen to do at-home testing, you’ll want to make sure that the test you choose is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for at-home use. You may want to research the accuracy and reliability of the test you are considering. At-home testing is not available for all cancers, and people who are at a higher risk due to family history or other factors may not be good candidates for at-home testing.
Limitations of At-Home Cancer Screening Tests
At-home cancer screening tests offer convenience and increased accessibility, but they also come with important limitations to keep in mind:
- Risk of false results: All tests carry the possibility of false positives and false negatives. False positives can lead to unnecessary stress and follow-up testing, while false negatives may delay diagnosis and create a false sense of reassurance.
- Limited test availability: Not all cancers currently have at-home screening options, and some tests may still require a healthcare provider’s order.
- Sample accuracy matters: Improper sample collection or handling can impact results, making it essential to carefully follow all instructions.
- No immediate clinical guidance: At-home tests may not provide real-time support, and abnormal results typically require follow-up with a healthcare provider to confirm a diagnosis.
Most importantly, at-home testing does not replace routine care. While these tests can be a helpful tool for early detection, they should be used alongside regular visits with a healthcare provider—not as a substitute for professional medical care.
Learn More About Home Cancer Screening With Everlywell
Want to learn more about early cancer detection and at-home cancer screening options? At Everlywell, we have a range of tests available to help detect cancer in its earliest stages. The Galleri® Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test uses cell-free DNA to detect more than 50 types of cancer. We also offer fecal immune testing (FIT) for colon cancer screening.
Everlywell also offers a range of at-home testing to help inform your healthcare journey. Our virtual care visits give you access to a certified healthcare provider who can answer questions and make recommendations for cancer screening unique to your health profile and risk factors. At Everlywell, you come for the testing but stay for the guidance.
References
- Find cancer early. American Cancer Society. Accessed February 4, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/screening.html
- Crosby D, Bhatia S, Brindle KM, et al. Early detection of cancer. Science. 2022;375(6586):eaay9040. doi:10.1126/science.aay9040. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35298272/
- The role of social determinants of health on cancer screening. American College of Surgeons. Published June 1, 2022. Accessed February 4, 2026. https://www.facs.org/for-medical-professionals/news-publications/news-and-articles/bulletin/2022/june-2022-volume-107-number-6/the-role-of-social-determinants-of-health-on-cancer-screening/
- At-home colon cancer tests. Mayo Clinic. Published October 30, 2025. Accessed February 4, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/in-depth/at-home-colon-cancer-tests/art-20590217
- HPV self-collection test. American Cancer Society. Revised December 4, 2025. Accessed February 4, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/hpv/hpv-and-hpv-testing/self-collection.html
- Prostate cancer: screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Published May 8, 2018. Accessed February 4, 2026. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/prostate-cancer-screening
- Sodi R, Young N, Tetucci A, Woolley T, Shah V, Maund I. Total Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Testing in Capillary Samples: Proof-of-Principle and Feasibility Study for Home Self-Testing for Prostate Cancer. The Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine. 2024;10(2):250-258. doi:10.1093/jalm/jfae144. https://academic.oup.com/jalm/article/10/2/250/7932813
- Taking a genetic test on your own: What you need to know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Published September 3, 2024. Accessed February 4, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/breast-ovarian-cancer-hereditary/testing/taking-a-genetic-test-on-your-own.html
- Cotner CE, O’Donnell E. Understanding the landscape of Multi-Cancer Detection Tests: the current data and clinical considerations. Life. 2024;14(7):896. doi:10.3390/life14070896. https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/14/7/89
Spotlight on
Featured content
Explore Everlywell
