I’m not 50 yet, but it’s closer every day and I’m dreading the official start of colonoscopies. I know, it’s not what everyone thinks about when nearing the half century mark, but I would really prefer not to go through it. Good News! There is research being done on a simple, non-invasive test that will encourage me to get checked, along with thousands of other fraidy cats. Not only does the test scare me, but the disease REALLY scares me! Only 60% of people over 50 ever get tested and doctors believe that this is due to the tremendous inconvenience involved in the testing procedure.
The new test involves collecting a stool sample and is still in the research phase, but looks very promising. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic reported at the American Association for Cancer Research special conference on Colorectal Cancer that “This DNA methylation test is likely to transform colorectal cancer screening procedures.” The test doesn’t require a special diet or “cleansing” routine and can even be done at home. There is a Cancer Screen and Tumor Marker blood test that could identify potential problems in the meantime and scientists are hoping to do additional human trials on the new test in 2011. I’m hoping for results and a working test before I turn 50! Get busy folks!
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
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