Mayo Clinic's home test for colon cancer: Clean, easy, and it's not a colonoscopy

Pioneer Press ^ | 10-26-14 | Marilynn Marchione

[TurboZamboni]

Starting Monday, millions of people who have avoided colon cancer screening can get a new home test that's noninvasive and doesn't require the icky preparation most other methods do. The test is the first to look for cancer-related DNA in stool. But deciding whether to get it is a more complex choice than ads for "the breakthrough test ... that's as easy as going to the bathroom" make it seem. On one hand, the test could greatly boost screening for a deadly disease that too few people get checked for now. On the other hand, it could lure people away from colonoscopies and other tests that, unlike the new one, have been shown to save lives. It might even do both. "It looks promising," but its impact on cancer risk and survival isn't known, said Dr. Barnett Kramer, a National Cancer Institute screening expert.

[ExpatGator]

I would truly welcome a non-invasive method to screen. Have had two invasions in the last 4 years.

[gaijin]

Bentonite clay, psyllium husk fiber —cheap, good, effective. Just very gradual.

[Justice]

Did this thru Kaiser a couple months ago. Popped it in the mail...2 days later got the result online. Negative for colon cancer.

Very easy.

[Drango]

A thin tube...

Thin my ass. (pun intended)

[LostInBayport]

Many cancer experts say the best screening test is the one that people are willing to get.

Really? This test is $599 and I'm guessing a colonoscopy runs into the thousands. Since my Obamneycare deductible is in the thousands and covers squat, I will probably pay full freight on whatever I choose. So $599 is much more appealing.

Plus, after hearing tales from friends about the joys of the prep for a colonoscopy...yikes.

[austinaero]

It’s $599 and private insurance doesn’t cover it...hmmm...at least at this point.

[austinaero]

Yeh,,the prep is worse than the test. Just tell people you want to be alone. Because you will want to be alone...the test...well..you won’t remember it thanks to the wonderful IV cocktail.

[discostu]

Hope this becomes the way in the next 3 1/2 years (my next one should be due in about 3 3/4), that deliberately induced explosive diarrhea leaves a lot to be desired.

[TomGuy]

The ‘virtual colonoscopy’ got a lot of attention a couple of years ago, but hasn’t become real popular because of the costs. Most major insurance companies would not pay for them because their reliability was questionable for what they cost.

Cologuard $599.

Medicare covers the new test, but private insurers are not covering it yet.

[Billthedrill]

Now they tell me. Just had my latest guided tour through the old crinkly tunnel, and the Doc sez at the end, "More fiber. See you in ten years." Didn't need any anesthetic, relaxants, no drugs at all. They've come a very long way with the technology.

The prep, though...hmm...two words: medicated wipes. They're yer best friend. I shall leave the rest to the imagination.

[CMailBag]

More like a baseball bat.

[palmer]

That wasn’t an occult blood test?

[cpdiii]

Plus, after hearing tales from friends about the joys of the prep for a colonoscopy...yikes.

Cancer and in particular colon cancer has wreaked havoc on my family. We have the oncogene on the maternal side of our family.

The colonoscope is nothing compared to the havoc pain and death cancer can inflict on you. If you doctor says you need a colonoscope. GET IT DONE!!!!!!!!!!!

[G Larry]

Obamacare doesn’t want it detected or treated anyway....

[DooDahhhh]

Good for you! My father was one of the first complete cures of colon cancer back in the 50s. His sister died of the disease and they were just getting to know how to treat it. This all happened at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX. My Dad lived well into his 80s. At the time of his surgery they were just trying to find out if it was hereditary and sure enough it is.

[TurboZamboni]

A colonoscopy is around $1800, but they claim it’s only needed every 10 years.

[Drawsing]

I don’t see how this kind of test can remove any pre-cancerous polyps. During a real colonoscopy the doctor removes these so they don’t develop further.

[headstamp 2]

If it works it beats “scoping for dollars”.

[headstamp 2]

Did you have a sigmoidoscopy or a full 6 footer? Can’t believe they didn’t give you anesthesia for the full Monty.