Testing for colon cancer just got easier. If you don’t already know, Cologuard is a new competing technology for colon cancer screening that is simple and ease of use. It involves no prep, no sedation, and most importantly, its effective.
What exactly is Cologuard?
Cologuard is a cancer detection test. Specifically, it tests for genetic mutations in stool that are associated with colon cancer. It will correctly identify 92% of individuals that have colon cancer. It will not, however, be able to decrease your risk of developing cancer because it is not able to reliably detect precancerous polyps. If a Cologuard test comes back positive, a follow up colonoscopy will be recommended.
How does it work?
Cologuard is a noninvasive test for colon cancer screening that identifies altered DNA and/or blood in stool, which are associated with the possibility of colon cancer or precancer. DNA is continuously shed from cells in the intestinal lining, where it is passed into stool. If cancer or precancer is present, abnormal cells will shed into the colon and stool along with normal cells. We use a molecular biology process to capture the DNA for further analysis.
How effective is Cologuard?
In a study of 10,000 people of average risk for colon cancer, Cologuard found 92% of cancer. Cologuard was negative in 87% of patients without the disease.
Should Colonoscopy be used in addition to Cologuard?
Cologuard is a screening test. Any positive result should be discussed with your doctor and followed by a diagnostic colonoscopy.
So what is the bottom line?
Colon cancer is a common form of cancer. Colonoscopy is the only test presently that is proven to detect and prevent colon cancer, but there are alternatives for those individuals not wishing to undergo colonoscopy. Cologuard is one of those options.
Recognize that only a colonoscopy can prevent colon cancer by detecting and removing precancerous polyps. About one out of three patients will have polyps removed during his or her colonoscopy.
Remember, any colon cancer-screening test is better than none!
To find out more, go to http://www.cologuardtest.com/how-cologuard-works/faq
Testing for colon cancer just got easier. If you don’t already know, Cologuard is a new competing technology for colon cancer screening that is simple and ease of use. It involves no prep, no sedation, and most importantly, its effective. What exactly is Cologuard? Cologuard is a cancer detection test. Specifically, it tests for genetic Read More…
The practice of Kurt Vernon, MD, The GI Guy, is proud to announce that we have received a ‘Tier 1 Designation”, a high quality recognition from one of the nation’s largest health insurers – Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC. BCBSNC Tiered Network utilizes administrative claims data to identify high quality, low cost providers and Read More…
