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Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in American
men and women. A newer, noninvasive screening method now makes prevention easier
than ever. Called a fecal DNA test, the new method just became commercially
available.
Detecting mutations
Genetic material called DNA is present in every cell of the body, explains
Carol Burke, M.D., director of the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Colon Polyp
and Cancer Prevention.
Normal colon cells and their DNA are passed into bowel movements every day.
Abnormalities, or mutations, in the DNA suggest that a colorectal polyp or
cancer is present. These mutations can be detected by processing the stool.
"If mutations are found, a colonoscopy is warranted," she says.
More accurate than fecal occult testing
The results of a recent study comparing the accuracy of the fecal DNA test
to traditional fecal occult blood testing found that the fecal DNA test was
positive in patients with colon polyps and cancers 53 percent of the time. Fecal
occult blood testing was positive only 14 percent of the time.
Clearly fecal DNA testing is much more accurate than fecal occult blood
testing, says Dr. Burke. Although colonoscopy is the best colon cancer screening
test, people that will not or cannot have colonoscopy may benefit from fecal DNA
testing.
Don’t wait for symptoms!
Colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 50 (or younger if you have a
first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) with colorectal cancer. The key
is not to wait until you have symptoms to get screened.
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