Colon cancer screening PSA

[3rd_time_the_charm]

Y’all know I wouldn’t officially be posting on the boards without bringing up colon cancer! Just a friendly reminder that in general screening starts at 45 now. I used a Labcorp FIT test a few years ago at 47 which came back positive. After a traditional colonoscopy it found I had cancer. Caught early and no issues since.

I recently ordered a Cologuard kit direct online for my other half. A doctor reviews your history and they bill insurance and ship to you. Easy process if you are worried about a traditional colonoscopy.

While not perfect, the home tests are better than not doing anything. So please, get screened one way or another! You just never know - I had NO symptoms.

I apologize if this has been discussed recently especially with James Van Der Beek’s death.

 

[msmayor]

Cologuard is, IMO, a great option for those in low risk groups.

I always thought I'd be in a low risk group - no history in my family, and a previous colonoscopy (before Cologuard existed) was pretty normal. My doctor arranged for delivery of the kit and I waited for the results.

Mine did not come back with 'all clear' results...I was in the group where there was 'something' that needed further investigation. Turns out after a standard colonoscopy shortly after, there was a mass in my colon large enough to require surgery. Thankfully, not cancerous...at this point. The doctor said had I waited longer we might be having a much different conversation, with a lot more post-operative treatment. That was four years ago. My one-year follow up colonoscopy showed all clear, and I will continue to have regular colonoscopies every 5 years now.

I had no symptoms at all. Nothing to indicate there was anything wrong. I give Cologuard the credit of the 'first alert' to a problem...a simple and easy test that led me down the right path for treatment.