Mayo offers new colon screening system
Mayo Clinic will be the first healthcare system to offer a new, FDA- approved DNA screening test for colon cancer.
The test, called Cologuard, is the first noninvasive screening test that analyzes both stool-based DNA and blood biomarkers to detect cancer and precancer. It was co-developed by Madison-based Exact Sciences Corp. and the Mayo Clinic.
Mayo gastroenterologist David Ahlquist says colon cancer is one of the most preventable, but least prevented cancers because patients are not getting screened as recommended. He hopes this test will change that.
"It is user-friendly. It's noninvasive. There's no prep, no bowel prep," Ahlquist said. "Patients don't have to stop medications or change their diet. They don't have to miss work. They can continue their daily routine. A sample can be collected at home and sent to the lab.
The new screening test will be available to Mayo Clinic patients in Rochester by early October.
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