Question 1

is cologuard as effective as colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Pros &amp; Cons, study:: 
http://www.cologuardtest.com/hcp/about-cologuard/performance-effectiveness &amp; http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1311194 for more details. Good question, complex answer. Main Cologuard advantage=easier, more frequent, more people screening. Downside=if cancer signs detected, still need colonoscopy to Dx, hopefully remove without surgery. (More details to follow)

Question 2

what is the difference between a colonoscopy and cologuard?

Accepted Answer

Stool test vs. exam: The question of managing colon cancer depends on early dx.  Periodic exam of the colon after bowel prep allows for defining early tumor and or polyps.  Cologuard is a genetic test performed on the stool to see if mutations have occurred in the colonocytes comprising stool.  Mutations found suggest at risk for tumor but not guaranteed presence of a growth.

Question 3

when will we know whether cologuard will pass cms ncd review? if it fails, what is the timeframe for exas to appeal or request a repeat ncd?

Accepted Answer

It is approved: Cologuard has been approved by the FDA.  It will be recommended to be used every 3 years by patients over 50 who have no increased risk factors for cancer of the colon (no history of polyps or adenomas; no close family members with colon cancer)

Question 4

why can't we get more than binary (+ or -) results  from cologuard test. if +, we want to know specific dna &/or hemoccult+. ?

Accepted Answer

Biopsy: Removal of suspect tissue and examination by a pathologist is the only way to get a definitive answer. Cologuard facilitates selection of patients who should undergo colonoscopy. It does not diagnose colon cancer.

Question 5

please prescribe cologuard test.
i have had 2 clean colonoscopies 6 and 11 years ago.  but occult blood recently.

Accepted Answer

See a doctor: Blood in the stool is not normal and needs to needs to be explained.  We can not prescribe a test through Heath Tap Prime, and if you have noticed blood on your stool, you will likely need another colonoscopy.

Question 6

66 years old. no hx of polyps or positive hematocult. is cologuard a good idea instead of colonoscopy. had negative virtual colonoscopy seven years ag?

Accepted Answer

Colon cancer screen: If you have never had a colonoscopy, you should. It currently is the gold standard for colon cancer screening. Cologuard and virtual colonography both have a substantially higher false negative rate. With medication, colonoscopy these days is very easy, comfortable, and safe, and will give you the highest likelihood of being able to prevent colon cancer. Don&#x27;t sell yourself short!

Question 7

i had an annual rectal test with my physical that tested neg and also sent in stool sample which was neg. what about cologuard? colonscopy for 2017.

Accepted Answer

Colonoscopy is best: Of the screening tests you have listed, colonoscopy is the only one that can also prevent colon cancer (by removal of precancerous lesions). If you have had one before and your next one is due in 2017, you do not need any further testing until then. This should hold true especially with what sounds like you had a negative fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Hope this helps!

Question 8

i was told my cologuard was positive and it could be due to ibs. does a + always mean cancer? please help. worried. i am of course going to follow up with a colonoscopy.

Accepted Answer

Colonoscopy: Only a minority of the people with stool test positive for blood have cancer. It is good that you are planning to have a colonoscopy.
Wish you good health!

Question 9

can a positive cologuard test be from a bleeding hemorrhoid? 61 year old man, non smoker, platelet count was a little low, takes nsaids dueto factor v

Accepted Answer

Yes: Cologuard tests for globin part of hemoglobin and any bleeding in the colon on down could give a positive result. However, you should see your doctor to ascertain that there is not an other source of bleeding.

Question 10

i had a negative colorgaurd test in september. today i had what looked like a tiny bit of mucus blood on stool. should i worry about this?

Accepted Answer

: Cologuard tests can have false positives &amp; false negatives. If you only observed a tiny amount of very red blood on your stool or toilet paper, it more than likely was from a benign source like a tiny anal fissure, mild rectal irritation or hemorrhoid. I would observe for more showing of blood,abnormal bowel habits or larger amounts of mucus in which case you should notify your physician.

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Doctor answers about:

Cologuard

A member asked:

Is cologuard as effective as colonoscopy?

A member asked:

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and cologuard?

A member asked:

When will we know whether cologuard will pass cms ncd review? if it fails, what is the timeframe for exas to appeal or request a repeat ncd?

A member asked:

Why can't we get more than binary (+ or -) results from cologuard test. if +, we want to know specific dna &/or hemoccult+. ?

A member asked:

Please prescribe cologuard test. i have had 2 clean colonoscopies 6 and 11 years ago. but occult blood recently.

A member asked:

66 years old. no hx of polyps or positive hematocult. is cologuard a good idea instead of colonoscopy. had negative virtual colonoscopy seven years ag?

A member asked:

I had an annual rectal test with my physical that tested neg and also sent in stool sample which was neg. what about cologuard? colonscopy for 2017.

A member asked:

I was told my cologuard was positive and it could be due to ibs. does a + always mean cancer? please help. worried. i am of course going to follow up with a colonoscopy.

A member asked:

Can a positive cologuard test be from a bleeding hemorrhoid? 61 year old man, non smoker, platelet count was a little low, takes nsaids dueto factor v

A member asked:

I had a negative colorgaurd test in september. today i had what looked like a tiny bit of mucus blood on stool. should i worry about this?

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