Colorectal Cancer Screening
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the US, and colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer. However, colon cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer if found in early stages.
The American Cancer Society recommends that all average-risk adults 45 years and older get screened. A colonoscopy is the gold standard and is recommended as a first-line screening tool for colon cancer; however, if you do not intend to get a colonoscopy, Cologuard is a sufficient alternative for most patients.
To make this process easier for you, we are sending you an at-home, easy-to-use, noninvasive screening kit by Cologuard to your home!
Your Cologuard screening kit should arrive in the next few days. There is no charge for you, and the majority of insured patients have no out-of-pocket costs for Cologuard to run the test, as it is included in major colorectal cancer screening guidelines.
If you have any questions, please contact us at questions@patriotuc.com.
Cologuard is not intended for high-risk individuals (see below for more information). If you are not a high-risk individual, please complete the screening test within 72 hours and follow the instructions listed below.
Cologuard is not for high-risk individuals, including patients with:
- a personal history of colorectal cancer and adenomas
- a positive result from another colorectal cancer screening method within the last 6 months
- a diagnosis that includes a high risk for colorectal cancer, like inflammatory bowel disease, chronic ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease
- a family history of colorectal cancer, or certain hereditary syndromes
If you have one of the above conditions, please do not complete your at-home Colorguard. Instead, schedule a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer.
Getting screened for colorectal cancer with Cologuard is convenient. Here’s what to expect:
- Exact Sciences Laboratories will ship the collection kit directly to your home.
- Collect your sample within 72 hours of receipt, and return it via UPS the same day or the next day.
- Choose the no-cost return option that works best for you:
- Ask for a contact-free UPS pick-up. Call us at 1-844-870-8870 for help, or visit Cologuard.com/UPS to schedule it on your own.
- Drop it off at UPS. Visit Cologuard.com/UPS to see your local options and hours. Remember, some places are closed on Sundays or holidays.
- Our office will contact you to discuss your results after we receive them from the laboratory, typically within two to three weeks.
The majority of insured patients have no out-of-pocket costs for Cologuard, which is included in major colorectal cancer screening guidelines. If you have any questions about next steps, please contact questions@patriotuc.com.
Cologuard is intended for the qualitative detection of colorectal neoplasia-associated DNA markers and for the presence of occult hemoglobin in human stool. A positive result may indicate the presence of colorectal cancer or advanced adenoma and should be followed by colonoscopy. A negative Cologuard test result does not guarantee absence of cancer or advanced adenoma. Following a negative result, patients should continue participating in a screening program at an interval and with a method appropriate for the individual patient.