Cologuard… yay or nay?
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The good news is that it’s also highly preventable and treatable when caught early. Have you heard about Cologuard? A non-invasive screening test that has revolutionized the way we detect colorectal cancer. Is it right for everyone? No. Do we recommend it to many of our patients? Yes. Have I, a physician utilized this? yes.
But first, let’s talk about what it is:
Cologuard is 1. non-invasive, at-home screening test for colorectal cancer. It is 2. designed to detect both colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps by analyzing a stool sample for specific DNA markers and blood. Cologuard is 3. an alternative to traditional colonoscopies and offers convenience, accuracy, and ease of use for individuals who may be hesitant or unable to undergo a colonoscopy. And 4. It has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an effective method for colorectal cancer screening.
Why do you need Cologuard? Simply put, early detection saves lives.
Because, Cologuard is non-invasive, making it a preferable option for many individuals. There’s no need for sedation or uncomfortable bowel preparation, making the experience significantly more comfortable. The simplicity of collecting a stool sample at home and sending it off for analysis makes it accessible to a wider population, including those in rural areas or with limited access to healthcare facilities. Plus, the financial burden is minimal. Cologuard works with most insurance coverage as a preventative test but the out-of-pocket cost or self-pay cost is less than $1000. Yes, that’s a chunk of change to test your poop but what’s peace of mind cost you?
One of the most significant advantages of Cologuard is its ability to detect cancer and pre-cancerous lesions early, potentially preventing the development of advanced-stage cancer. By catching abnormalities before they progress, individuals can undergo timely interventions, such as polyp removal, significantly reducing their risk of developing invasive cancer.
Furthermore, Cologuard has shown promising results in clinical studies. Research has demonstrated its high sensitivity in detecting colorectal cancer, with a low rate of false positives. This means fewer unnecessary follow-up procedures and reduced anxiety for patients awaiting results.
The nitty gritty per the Cologuard site:
- Cologuard is indicated to screen adults of either sex, 45 years or older, who are at typical average risk for colorectal cancer.
- Cologuard is not for high-risk individuals, including patients with a personal history of colorectal cancer and adenomas; have had a positive result from another colorectal cancer screening method within the last 6 months; have been diagnosed with a condition associated with high risk for colorectal cancer such as IBD, chronic ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease; or have a family history of colorectal cancer, or certain hereditary syndromes
- What happens with a positive result? Referred for a colonoscopy.
Cologuard is a game-changer in colorectal cancer prevention. And if you ever come into the office for me to order your test, remind me, and I’ll tell you my story about having to collect my sample twice. Let’s just say, the lid should definitely be screwed on while resting on a flat surface… 🤦♂️
Want to check out more for yourself? See their website here: https://www.cologuard.com/
** note, we don’t get anything for sharing this info, we just like to share services we have had success with ourselves so here we are, tell you what has helped us.