Your Health

New Colorectal Cancer Screening Test Shows Promise

Posted: 4/19/2012

A simple, noninvasive test that accurately detects pre- and early-stage cancer may save lives.

(NAPSI)—Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cancer killer in the U.S.1—more than 143,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease and almost 52,000 will die from it this year, according to National Cancer Institute estimates.2 Older adults, especially, are more likely to get colorectal cancer, with about 60 percent of new diagnoses occurring in people 65 and older.3

Despite its high incidence, the disease is often considered the most preventable, but least prevented cancer. Colorectal cancer is highly treatable if found early, but more than 40 percent of adults age 50 and older have not been screened as recommended.4 However, an investigational, noninvasive, in-home screening test, developed by Exact Sciences in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, currently shows promise as a potential addition to other available screening tools for colorectal cancer.

“Colorectal cancer is highly treatable if caught early, but most patients are diagnosed with the disease in its late stages, primarily due to poor screening compliance,” said Dr. Robert Hardi, gastroenterologist and principal investigator for a clinical study evaluating the Exact Sciences test. “If approved, this simple, non-invasive test that accurately detects pre-cancer and early-stage colorectal cancer may improve screening participation and help save lives.”

Clinical Study Now Enrolling

Exact Sciences’ investigational stool DNA test works by detecting altered DNA from precancerous or cancerous polyps in the colon. A nationwide clinical study is underway to further evaluate this screening test.

“Early studies have been very promising,” said Dr. Hardi. “Now more research is ongoing to evaluate the test’s performance in a large population, especially among people 65 and older who are more likely to develop colorectal cancer.”

Exact Sciences is actively recruiting participants between the ages of 65 and 84 for a pivotal research study called The Multi-Target Colorectal Cancer Screening Test for the Detection of Colorectal Advanced Adenomatous Polyps and Cancer (DeeP-C). The study is enrolling more than 10,000 participants at approximately 100 sites across the U.S. and Canada. Qualified participants may be eligible for compensation for their time.

For more information about participating in the study, call (800) 949-8292 or visit www. exactsciences.com. Note, Mayo Clinic and some of the investigators associated with this research have a financial interest in the technology being studied in this research.

Do you qualify for the study?

• Are you between the ages of 65 and 84?

• Are you scheduled for or do you need to schedule a screening colonoscopy?

• Are you willing to provide a stool sample and undergo a colonoscopy within 90 days of enrollment?

If you meet these criteria, call (800) 949-8292 for more information.

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References

1. Basic Information about Colorectal Cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Link)

2. Colon and Rectal Cancer. National Cancer Institute. (Link)

3. About Colorectal Cancer. New York Department of Health. (Link)

4. Cancer Screening - United States, 2010. Centers for Disease Control. (Link)

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