Testing
Testing
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What is Colorectal Cancer
- Cancer starts when cells in the body start to grow out of
control. - Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. These
cancers are called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on
where they start. - Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together
because they have many features in common.
Who is at risk of colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the US when women and men are combined. The risk of getting colon cancer increases as you get older. In fact, 88% of cases of colorectal cancers occur in people who are 50 years or older. You’re considered to be at average risk if you do not have:
- A family history or predisposition of colon cancer (such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis)
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcer-ative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
- A personal history of colorectal cancer, adenomas, or other related cancers
- A positive result from another screening method in the last year
What is colorectal cancer screening?
Colorectal cancer screening are tests that look for signs and symptoms of cancer before it develops. These tests can detect colon or rectal cancer early on, resulting in early intervention and therefore more successful treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends testing starting at age 45 for people at average risk. Some colorectal screening tests can detect precancerous growth (polyps) in the colon or rectum. Polyps are not cancer, but over time cancer can start to develop in the polyps. Removing the polyps lowers the risk of cancer.
ColoScape™ Test
ColoScape TM , is the only test available on the market today that can detect 61 genetic (mutations) and 7 epigenetic (methylation) markers, specific for colorectal cancer from a single blood draw. This test has not been approved by the US FDA but has been validated as a Lab Developed Test in a CLIA certified reference laboratory. This test has a high accuracy for the detection of genetic and epigenetic markers using cell free DNA (cfDNA) isolated from peripheral blood. The test is used in addition to the recommended colon cancer screening guidelines and for patients at average risk ages 45-85.
What will my results tell me
Your ColoScape TM , results will indicate the presence or absence of genetic and epigenetic markers associated with colorectal neoplasia (including both cancer and advanced adenomas).
