Cologuard Test Review – Worth Buying?
Cologuard Test is a colon cancer screening test you can use in your own bathroom. Find out how Cologuard works today in our review.
What is a Cologuard Test?
Cologuard Test is a colon cancer screening test covered by Medicare. The testing system was approved by the FDA in August 2014 and is now available in all 50 states.
Like traditional colon cancer screening tests, Cologuard scans for colorectal cancer (CRC) by testing a stool sample. You order a Cologuard test through your doctor (it’s only available by prescription) and then place your stool sample in the box before mailing it to the Exact Sciences laboratory.
Prior to gaining FDA approval, Cologuard underwent a study involving 10,000 average-risk, asymptomatic patients at 90 centers across the United States and Canada. The study tested the accuracy of Cologuard and other fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) against traditional colonoscopies.
By the end of the test, Cologuard was revealed to screen for CRC as effectively as a colonoscopy, delivering an accurate detection rate of 92.3% overall.
How Does Cologuard Work?
Cologuard works by testing for tumor-specific DNA changes, including aberrant methylated BMP3 and NDRG4, a mutant form of KRAS, beta-actin, and hemoglobin.
Because of its high level of accuracy, Cologuard can be used every three years. Typically, CRC fecal tests need to be performed annually.
In the study we mentioned above, Cologuard had a 92.3% overall detection rate and 94% detection rate for the earliest and most curable cancer stages – which is a similar success rate to what we see with a colonoscopy.
How exactly does Cologuard detect your cancer risk from your stool?
Well, every day, the lining of your colon naturally sheds cells. These cells end up in your feces. The Cologuard test samples your stool to detect these abnormal cells.
The creators of Cologuard describe their technology as “advanced stool DNA technology” that finds “elevated levels of altered DNA and/or hemoglobin in these abnormal cells.”
How to Use the Cologuard Kit
Using the Cologuard kit is as easy as depositing a stool sample in the Cologuard box and then shipping it to the Exact Sciences lab via prepaid UPS shipping or pick-up. Exact Sciences will then forward the results of your test to your doctor.
Exact Sciences claims it will return the results of your test within two weeks of their lab receiving your sample.
How to Order Cologuard
Cologuard is available by prescription only. You need to order it through your doctor. At the official Cologuard website, you can download an order form to give to your doctor.
Exact Sciences recommends discussing the procedure with your primary care physician, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare provider as part of a regular wellness appointment.
Cologuard cannot be purchased over the counter. It is, however, available in all US states and territories. The only other country with Cologuard screenings is the UK, where Cologuard is available across the country.
Cologuard Pricing
Cologuard is priced at a maximum out-of-pocket cost of $649. Medicare covers the cost of the test for all eligible patients.
Most private insurance plans will not cover Cologuard at this time. Exact Sciences claims that it is “seeking to have Cologuard including in private insurance coverage as soon as possible.”
In other words, if you’re not on Medicare, then you should expect to pay close to the full $649 price on most private insurance plans.
About Exact Sciences
Exact Sciences is a publically-traded medical company on the NASDAQ (EXAS). The company’s About Us (ExactSciences.com/about) page describes that it is “committed to playing a role in the eradication of colorectal cancer”.
The company is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin at the following address:
441 Charmany Drive
Madison, WI 53719
You can contact the company by phone at 1-844-870-8870 or by using the contact information found on their website.
