ColonTest - Sensitive (3 tests) ColonTest - Sensitive is a patented, 2 minute, self-contained, self-developing fecal occult home test for early detection of many colorectal cancers & disorders (extract stool specimen to test cassette, more accurate than EZ-DETECT)

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ColonTest - Sensitive FAQ's

Q: What is colorectal cancer?
A: Cancer is an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. "Colorectal" refers to the colon and rectum, which together make up the large intestine. Colorectal cancer can originate anywhere in the large intestines. The majority of colorectal cancers develop first as polyps, abnormal growths inside the colon or rectum that may become cancerous.

Q: How does colorectal cancer affect the U.S. population?
A: In 2002, the American Cancer Society estimates that 150,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 56,600 people will die of this cancer in the United States.

Q: Who gets colorectal cancer?
A: Here are some facts about colorectal cancer risk:

• Colorectal cancer occurs in men and women of all racial and ethnic groups.
• Colorectal cancer is most common in people aged 50 years and older and the risk increases with age, with 93% of new cases diagnosed in people aged 50 years and older.
• A family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
• Certain diseases of the intestines, including inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), can increase the risk for colorectal cancer.

Q: What are the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer?
A: Colorectal cancer develops with few, if any, symptoms at first. However, if symptoms are present, they may include the following:

• blood in or on the stool
• a change in bowel habits
• stools that are narrower than usual
• general, unexplained stomach discomfort
• frequent gas, pains, or indigestion
• unexplained weight loss
• chronic fatigue

If you have any of these symptoms, discuss them with your doctor. Many other health problems can cause these symptoms, too. Only your doctor, through testing, can tell you why you might have these symptoms.

Q: What are the screening tests for colorectal cancer?
A: Unlike for many other cancers, there are several screening tests that check for colorectal cancer. The tests that are currently used alone or in combination with each other are

• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT).  A test that checks for occult (hidden) blood in the stool.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy.  An examination during which a doctor looks at the inside of the rectum and lower portion of the colon through a flexible, lighted tube. The doctor may remove some polyps and collect samples of tissue or cells for closer examination.
• Colonoscopy.  An examination during which a doctor looks at the inside of the rectum and entire colon through a flexible, lighted tube. The doctor may remove some polyps and collect samples of tissue or cells for closer examination.

Double Contrast Barium Enema.  A procedure that involves taking X-rays of the rectum and colon after a patient is given an enema containing a dye (barium), followed by an injection of air. The barium outlines the intestine on the x-ray film, so that many polyps and other abnormalities are visible

Q: What is the insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screening?
A: Check with your health insurance provider to determine your colorectal cancer screening benefits. Many insurance plans help pay for screening tests for people aged 50 years and older. Many plans also help pay for screening tests for people under 50 who are at greater than average risk for colorectal cancer.

Q: What are the Medicare Preventive Service Benefits for colorectal cancer screening?
A: If you are covered by Medicare, you may be eligible to receive colorectal cancer screening benefits. For more information about Medicare, call the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (formerly Health Care Financing Administration) at 1-800-633-4221 or visit http://www.medicare.gov/.

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