(NEXSTAR) — A Kentucky boy’s unexpected package earlier this year turned out to be a surprise delivery of lollipops worth a substantial amount of money. It seems that not all surprise deliveries are unwelcome.
On the flip side, a man from Minnesota had quite a different experience when he received a colon cancer screening kit—a Cologuard test—along with a note from his healthcare provider that stated it was “recommended.” The catch? He had undergone a colon removal as a child. Following his announcement about the test, confusion arose, and it was later discovered that his results might have yielded a false positive.
Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam, who is part of the man’s care team and a gastroenterologist at MNGI Digestive Health in Minneapolis, highlighted this issue in an opinion piece for Nexstar’s The Hill. He pointed out that this isn’t an isolated case.
“I’ve heard from colleagues across various states that some patients have received test kits even when they aren’t suitable candidates for stool-based testing,” wrote Gunaratnam.
So, what triggers a sudden mailing of a Cologuard test?
To give a little context, in 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Cologuard as the first non-invasive fecal DNA test aimed at spotting colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps in patients who are generally at risk. This test has been shown to detect 95% of colon cancers, an improvement from the earlier 92% detection rate with its predecessor.
Both testing kits are sent through the mail, allowing individuals aged 45 and older to collect stool samples at home and return them for analysis, although a prescription is necessary.
According to Exact Sciences, the company behind Cologuard, there are three primary reasons someone might receive a test kit unexpectedly: it could have been ordered by their doctor, requested by their insurance company, or sent out by their healthcare system.
Exact Sciences further explains that organizations are permitted to share some information with certified labs, like theirs, for health-related purposes, including preventive screenings for cancer. They did not provide any additional insights on the unexpected deliveries but mentioned that an initial notification via letter, text, or email would typically be sent to patients.
The company reassured that only minimal information is shared for the processing of these kits and emphasized its commitment to patient confidentiality.
If someone receives a Cologuard kit and isn’t sure why, they should reach out either to the company or their healthcare provider for clarification.
Meanwhile, Gunaratnam argues that “colonoscopy remains the gold standard” not only for detecting colorectal cancer but also for preventing it by allowing the removal of precancerous polyps. He noted that studies indicate that regular screening colonoscopies could lower cancer rates by as much as 89%.
Stool-based screening can certainly help fill gaps in testing, but it’s important for patients to discuss the advantages and limitations of the various options available with their healthcare provider.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer, often referred to as colon cancer, typically starts as a growth—known as a polyp—on the lining of the colon. Most polyps are harmless, but there is a potential for some to become cancerous over time, as noted by the American Cancer Society.
Since polyps usually don’t present any symptoms, regular screenings are recommended for detection and removal. The American Cancer Society advises those at average risk of colorectal cancer to begin yearly screenings at age 45, noting that routine testing past age 85 is no longer suggested.
