New, non-invasive colon test

F1wild · ‎11-30-2011

From Mayo Clinic:

Earlier this year, we were excited to announce that a Mayo Clinic clinical trial showed a new, non-invasive colon cancer test to be highly effective at detecting colon cancer at its most treatable stage.

Today, I wanted to share even more good news with you: this new test, called Cologuard, is now available by prescription to patients 50 and over who are at average risk for colorectal cancer, and Mayo Clinic was first to offer it.

This breakthrough represents peace of mind for patients. Colon cancer is highly treatable when caught early, but because so many patients avoid the uncomfortable colonoscopy screening process, this preventable disease is still one of the deadliest cancers.

By offering a non-invasive test that can be done in the privacy of the home, Cologuard is expected to move more patients to get screened earlier, potentially saving thousands of lives. Mayo Clinic is also working to expand the number of cancers that can be screened with this method.

The news release below has more information about this test and research going on at Mayo Clinic — research made possible with the support of people like you.

If you have questions about Cologaurd please contact your primary care physician or visit cologuardtest.com.

blondegirl · ‎03-10-2010

Thanks - I have bad reactions to anesthesia so won't get a colonoscopy. Having said that, if it shows something you are going to have to have one anyhow which makes this of limited use for many folks. That's why the virtual one is not a big hit I think, cost aside.

colliemom4 · ‎09-08-2010

Interesting news. I think someone that doesn't want a colonoscopy might buy it and it could save their life. I have a friend that is very against any type of testing, shots etc. Thanks for the post.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

Our insurance will pay 100% for a colonoscopy but if they find any polyps and remove them then it becomes a surgical procedure and we have to pay 20% of the cost. I have put off getting one due to the fear of not knowing if it will possibly cost us a lot of $$$, just for a screening test when we have no symptoms and no family history etc to indicate we need to worry about this. For us this Mayo clinic test may be the better choice. At least we would know up front what it is going to cost.

wagirl · ‎03-09-2010

happy--it scares me a little that you decided not to do this test because you might have to pay some money. I think your life is worth a few bucks every 10 years. You think the cost of a colonoscopy is high---try paying for chemo and surgery and radiation and all that is associated with a positive cancer result!! Just went thru breast cancer 2 years ago--- no family history, no symptoms except for that nasty lump in my breast. You make it sound like snipping out a polyp or 2 is major surgery--it's not and the cost isn't that horrendous. Had many friends who had those snipped out and never complained about the cost. Better than the alternative!!

brii · ‎06-20-2010

On 11/4/2014 happy housewife said:
Our insurance will pay 100% for a colonoscopy but if they find any polyps and remove them then it becomes a surgical procedure and we have to pay 20% of the cost. I have put off getting one due to the fear of not knowing if it will possibly cost us a lot of $$$, just for a screening test when we have no symptoms and no family history etc to indicate we need to worry about this. For us this Mayo clinic test may be the better choice. At least we would know up front what it is going to cost.

You're putting it off because you might have to pay?

Wow...

Desertdi · ‎03-13-2010

${#emotions_dlg.lol}$ ${#emotions_dlg.lol}$ On 11/5/2014 brii said:
On 11/4/2014 happy housewife said:
Our insurance will pay 100% for a colonoscopy but if they find any polyps and remove them then it becomes a surgical procedure and we have to pay 20% of the cost. I have put off getting one due to the fear of not knowing if it will possibly cost us a lot of $$$, just for a screening test when we have no symptoms and no family history etc to indicate we need to worry about this. For us this Mayo clinic test may be the better choice. At least we would know up front what it is going to cost.

You're putting it off because you might have to pay?

Wow...

♥Surface of the Sun♥

VioletEyes · ‎03-12-2010

On 11/4/2014 happy housewife said:
Our insurance will pay 100% for a colonoscopy but if they find any polyps and remove them then it becomes a surgical procedure and we have to pay 20% of the cost. I have put off getting one due to the fear of not knowing if it will possibly cost us a lot of $$$, just for a screening test when we have no symptoms and no family history etc to indicate we need to worry about this. For us this Mayo clinic test may be the better choice. At least we would know up front what it is going to cost.

I have a cousin who didn't want to spend the money either. She figured that with no symptoms or family history she didn't need to worry. Well, a few years later when symptoms did happen she was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer and we attended her funeral a few weeks ago.

Take care of yourself and remember it isn't just family history and symptoms. ${#emotions_dlg.sad}$

VioletEyes · ‎03-12-2010

Thanks for posting about this. So many people will benefit greatly from this test.

momshan · ‎06-29-2012

Some of you were taking offense about others putting off the colonoscopy due to the additional cost. Please take a moment to understand that most people that need this procedure are retirees. A lot live on a fixed income and Medicare. I'm not advocating putting off any screening procedures and I am so thankful that my husband and I can afford to have this. That said, we now live on a fixed income and know a little more about these issues.

I heard this morning that this new colon testing that is done at home will cost around $600. It is so new that it is not now on Medicare or any other insurances. I'm hoping this will happen soon so more will be tested. Any screening is better than no screening.