This March, Join Others and Screen for Colon Cancer

As first responders, we are very aware of the increased cancer risk we face as a result of protecting our communities. FASNY has led the fight to bring awareness to this important topic. Since March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, we are excited to provide a convenient option for colon cancer screening with Cologuard®. Cologuard is an easy-to-use, noninvasive colon cancer screening option that ships directly to you so can collect your sample at home. It is for adults 45 years of age or older who are at average risk for colon cancer.

Why screen for colorectal cancer?

  • Screening is an important step in finding colon cancer for adults 45 years and older.¹
  • When caught in early stages, it is more treatable in 90% of people.²

Why Cologuard?

  • It’s effective
    • Cologuard finds 92% of cancers even in early stages.³
  • It’s convenient
    • No special prep. No need for time off. No changes to your diet or medication.
    • Delivered to your doorstep.
    • Collect your sample in the privacy of your own home.

Start March off right by taking care of your health and checking colon cancer screening off your to-do list. You can request a Cologuard order online by visiting www.cologuard.com/eptest/fasny Click “Request Cologuard online” then continue through the telemedicine provider. You will have to answer a few health-related questions. Telemedicine providers may charge a fee for their services associated with the consultation.

You can also speak with your healthcare provider about colon cancer screening options and discuss whether Cologuard is right for you.

If you have any questions or need more information about your health plan’s preventative benefits, please call the customer service number on your member ID Card.

If you have any questions about Cologuard, please contact the Exact Sciences Laboratories Customer Care Center at 1-844-870-8870.

Indications and Important Risk Information

Cologuard is intended to screen adults 45 years of age and older who are at average risk for colorectal cancer by detecting certain DNA markers and blood in the stool. Do not use if you have had adenomas, have inflammatory bowel disease and certain hereditary syndromes, or a personal or family history of colorectal cancer. Cologuard is not a replacement for colonoscopy in high risk patients. Cologuard performance in adults ages 45-49 is estimated based on a large clinical study of patients 50 and older.

The Cologuard test result should be interpreted with caution. A positive test result does not confirm the presence of cancer. Patients with a positive test result should be referred for diagnostic colonoscopy. A negative test result does not confirm the absence of cancer. Patients with a negative test result should discuss with their doctor when they need to be tested again. False positives and false negative results can occur. In a clinical study, 13% of people without cancer received a positive result (false positive) and 8% of people with cancer received a negative result (false negative). Rx only.

References:

  1. American Cancer Society. Can colorectal cancer be prevented? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html. Last revised: May 30, 2018. Accessed February 3, 2020
  2. National Cancer Institute. SEER cancer stat facts: colorectal cancer. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect.html. Accessed February 5, 2020.
  3. Imperiale TF, Ransohoff DF, Itzkowitz SH, et al. Multitarget stool DNA testing for colorectal-cancer screening. N Engl J Med. 2014;370(14):1287-1297.