Real Cologuard®
story: Susan T.
Screened with Cologuard®
An avid volunteer, Susan’s passion for dedicating her time to others started before she was old enough to drive.
“I remember when I was 14 and became a candy striper,” Susan shared. “I loved helping people.”
Susan’s experience volunteering in the hospital inspired her to pursue many opportunities to help others – from giving her time at the animal rescue to speaking up for her mother, who lived with Alzheimer’s. Susan’s passion was fueled by the chance to make a positive difference.
“It makes you feel good,” she said.
Advocating for her mother taught Susan the importance of taking charge of her own health – not just for herself, but for those she loves. That’s why she made sure to get screened for colorectal cancer whenever she was due.
When it was time for Susan to get screened again in 2019, she asked her healthcare provider about the options that would be right for her – including Cologuard. She was at average risk for colorectal cancer and her healthcare provider told her Cologuard would be an appropriate option.
Not long after completing the test, Susan received her result – it was positive.
“After I got the call, I felt nervous but grateful on the other hand,” she said. “Grateful because I might not have known otherwise.”
A colonoscopy revealed a large precancerous polyp, and Susan underwent surgery to remove a section of her colon. She did not need any additional treatment.
Susan said she is compelled to share this message with family and even friends on social media – hoping once again to make a difference.
“When you hear personal stories, it resonates,” she said. “What’s more important than your body?”
Susan’s dedication to serving others has never diminished – it has simply taken different forms. And now, she said she’s proud to have her own story to inspire others.
“If it could help one person, why not share?”
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. Cologuard performance in repeat testing has not been evaluated.
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 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.
