Mayo response to misinformation on Cologuard tests

To the Editor:

I’m writing in response to a letter to the editor titled “Report scams on the elderly,” which was published Dec. 13. As medical director of Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont, I believe it’s important to address the concerns of the author and clarify a few points about the Cologuard at-home colon cancer screening test.

I cannot address any individual patient situations, but I want to clarify that the Cologuard test issued by Exact Sciences is a legitimate, physician-supported tool for colon cancer screening. In fact, it’s recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force. Mayo Clinic, along with many other reputable health care institutions, order Cologuard tests for patients regularly. Patients are notified of the screening recommendation by their provider and prior to their provider ordering the test. And when it comes to payment, insurance companies are required to cover the cost of the test kit, not the patients.

However, I understand that this relatively new screening test option and different process might raise alarms for patients who have not previously completed an at-home test or may have not seen the communications from their provider, and it’s understandable to be wary of sources that inquire about protected health information. We at Mayo Clinic Health System are committed to continuing to work to improve communication and patient understanding.

From a historical standpoint, Cologuard was developed after Mayo researchers noted a gap between established screening approaches and patients’ desire for simpler options. They began looking for tumor-specific markers from cells shed from the surface of cancer and polyps in a process called exfoliation. Eventually, they found a way to accurately measure signature DNA changes from the shed tumor cells. Mayo Clinic licensed the colon cancer screening approach developed through this research to Exact Sciences.

So, please know that colon cancer screening is vitally important, and Cologuard is a legitimate option for testing. I implore you to communicate with your health care provider about cancer screenings and ask them questions if you ever receive something you weren’t expecting.

Respectfully,

Kendra Kamlitz, M.D.

Medical Director

Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont