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FDA approves DNA screening test for colorectal cancer

The CDC estimates that if all Americans were screened at the age of 50 we could cut colon cancer deaths by 60%. This week a new tool was added to the screening toolbox. On Monday, August 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Cologuard, the first stool-based colorectal cancer screening test to detect DNA mutations that may indicate the presence of colon cancer.

Photo from Exact Sciences

Photo from Exact Sciences

Adding Cologuard to approved tests for colon cancer gives patients an additional screening option. Cologuard detects hemoglobin (proteins in blood) in a stool sample. It can also detect certain DNA mutations in cells shed by advanced adenomas as stool moves through the large intestine and rectum. Following a positive Coloplast test result, patients will be advised to undergo a diagnostic colonoscopy.

At the same time, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services also issued a proposal that Cologuard be covered once every three years for Medicaid beneficiaries who meet the following criteria:

  • Age 50 to 85 years,
  • Asymptomatic
  • Average risk for developing colon cancer.

Adding Cologuard to the FDA approval list and allowing it to be covered under Medicaid gives patients one more way to be screened and to reach the national goal of 80% screening rates by 2018.

Read the FDA’s complete press release here.

 

Join the discussion 4 Comments

  • NBA線上 says:

    Awesome article, thanks for sharing !!

  • Jeff Klearman says:

    Dr. Raymond Cohen has been practicing medicine for thirty-give (25) years. We are wanting to get involved in DNA colon screening, among other tests and are looking for an alternative to Cologuard. Both Dr. Cohen and I are extremely enthusiastic about rendering a like service for which can actually provide the service and bill for the same. We both understand the screening criteria for reimbursement and given our combined 110 years in the St. Louis community we feel that the generation of patients will not be a primary issue. Are you able to help provide either a product, lab or the like that is able to conduct a stool based test as a colon cancer screening device. We also would like to render other possible related services. Any assistance would be extremely helpful. Best Jeff and Ray

    • Erin Peterson says:

      Hi Jeff, Thanks for your interest. Let me look into your question a bit and I’ll get back to you.

  • Nancy says:

    Informative post!! Got lots of information about colorectal cancer tests. Thanks for sharing.

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