A colon cancer screening test shipped to your home could help detect cancer early.
Leigh Anne has lived a life showing up for others. As a mom, wife, and teacher, she has dedicated her time to caring for and helping those around her. Because of this, she, like many, put off having a colonoscopy. There were too many other things to worry about. After seeing her mom battle breast cancer, Leigh Anne knew about cancer, but colorectal cancer wasn’t top of mind. She saw her doctor regularly and every visit he would mention that she was overdue for a colonoscopy.
Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.[1] Even as colorectal cancer deaths are increasing in people younger than 50 years old, more than 60 million Americans are not up to date with colorectal cancer screenings.[2]
“After having the same discussion year after year with my doctor, he mentioned that there are these Cologuard® box tests for colorectal cancer screening,” Leigh Anne said. “I was so fearful of anesthesia and having a colonoscopy, that I made a deal with my doctor. If the Cologuard test was positive, I would promise to get a colonoscopy.”
Within two weeks, Leigh Anne received her results. The Cologuard test was positive.
“My husband drove me, and I went in for my colonoscopy,” Leigh Anne said. “I woke up and was brought out to where he was and I asked, ‘I have cancer, don’t I?’ and he said, ‘Yes, you do.’”
Leigh Anne’s world was turned upside down, but she knew she needed to be authentic and model strength, resilience and hope—for the high school students she teaches and for her family. She made her lesson plans for when she would be gone and scheduled her surgery.
An early catch
After the surgery was complete, Leigh Anne received a call from her surgeon. Her cancer was stage 1, her margins were clear, and she would need no radiation or chemotherapy. Her cancer was caught early.
A non-invasive, easy-to-use test, like the Cologuard test, is a simple and effective way to screen for colorectal cancer. In a recent study, when Cologuard tests detected cancer, an estimated 80% were early-stage and precancerous cases, meaning they would be easier to treat or even prevent when they were detected.[3],[4]*
“Early detection is the most important predictor of colorectal cancer survival[5],” said Dr. Folasade May, gastroenterologist and director of quality in digestive diseases at UCLA Health. “Now the American Cancer Society encourages people at average risk for colorectal cancer — meaning anyone who isn’t high risk — start routine screening at age 45.[6] Cologuard is an effective, easy to use option to screen.” †
Leigh Anne learned that the best way to show up for others is showing up for herself and that includes prioritizing her health and screening. This past year, she celebrated 10 years of marriage – just one of the many milestones she’s been able to be a part of since surviving cancer. She has also seen one daughter get married, two become engaged, and is now a grandmother to three grandchildren. In part, she thanks early detection for giving her the chance to celebrate each of these moments.
In the past 10 years, the equivalent of one Cologuard test was completed every 20 seconds.[7]* It’s FDA approved and convenient – delivered right to your door, with no preparation, no time off and no changes to your diet or medication required.[8] Cologuard detects 92% of colon cancers, even in early stages. It’s also covered by Medicare and most other major insurers, meaning more than 94% of people pay nothing.[9] If you do need a follow-up colonoscopy, there is no cost sharing applied.[10],[11]
“Now my adventures can continue,” Leigh Anne said. “This is part of my story and if I can make a difference in someone else’s story and help them screen and potentially catch cancer early, I want to do that too.”
To learn more about the Cologuard’s testing kit, visit Cologuard.com
About the Cologuard test
The Cologuard test is intended to screen adults 45 years of age and older who are at average risk for colorectal cancer by detecting certain DNA markers and blood in the stool. Do not use if you have had adenomas, have inflammatory bowel disease and certain hereditary syndromes, or a personal or family history of colorectal cancer. The Cologuard test is not a replacement for colonoscopy in high risk patients. Cologuard performance in adults ages 45-49 is estimated based on a large clinical study of patients 50 and older. Cologuard performance in repeat testing has not been evaluated.
The Cologuard test result should be interpreted with caution. A positive test result does not confirm the presence of cancer. Patients with a positive test result should be referred for colonoscopy. A negative test result does not confirm the absence of cancer. Patients with a negative test result should discuss with their doctor when they need to be tested again. False positives and false negative results can occur. In a clinical study, 13% of people without cancer received a positive result (false positive) and 8% of people with cancer received a negative result (false negative). Rx only.
This story reflects on an individual’s experience. Not every person will have the same treatment, experience, outcome, or result. The Cologuard test is prescribed by your health care provider. Talk to your health care provider about available screening options and whether the Cologuard test may be right for you. There are potential risks associated with the Cologuard test and it may not be appropriate for all patients. For more information about the risks, talk to your health care provider or visit www.cologuard.com for more information.
References
* Estimates are based on modeling projections using performance data from the pivotal DeeP-C study.
†Dr. Folasade May has provided consulting services for Exact Sciences. They have not been compensated for any media work.
[1] American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 2023-2025. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2023.
[2] Ebner DW, Kisiel JB, Fendrick AM, et al. Estimated average-risk colorectal cancer screening-eligible population in the US. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(3):e245537.CDC
[3] Imperiale TF, Ransohoff DF, Itzkowitz SH, et al. Multitarget stool DNA testing for colorectal-cancer screening. N Engl J Med. 2014;370(14):1287-1297
[4] Siegel RL, Giaquinto AN, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2024.CA Cancer J Clin. 2024;74:12-49. 2 Itzkowitz SH. Incremental advances in excremental cancer detection tests. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2009;101(18):1225-1227. doi:10.1093/jnci/djp273
[5] National Cancer Institute. Cancer stat facts: colorectal cancer. Accessed October 7, 2022. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect.html
[6] ACS. Guideline for Colorectal Cancer Screening. Accessed March 6, 2024. Updated January 29, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html
[7] Estes C, Dehghani M, Ozbay A, et al. Clinical, social and economic impacts of colorectal cancer screening with the multi-target stool-DNA test: 10-year experience – a simulated study. MedRxiv.org https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.08.07.24311643
[8] Cologuard Clinician Brochure. Exact Sciences Corporation. Madison, WI.
[9] Exact Sciences estimate based on historical patient billing. Rate of coverage varies by state and region. Exceptions for coverage may apply; only your patients’ insurers can confirm how Cologuard would be covered.
[10] CMS. FAQs about Affordable Care Act implementation part 51, Families First Coronavirus Response Act and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act implementation. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. January 10, 2022. Accessed January 25, 2024. https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Fact-Sheets-and-FAQs/Downloads/FAQs-Part-51.pdf
[11] CMS. Calendar year (CY) 2023 Medicare physician fee schedule final rule. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. November 1, 2022. Accessed January 25, 2024. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/calendar-year-cy-2023-medicare-physician-fee-schedule-final-rule
