EZ Detect Colon Cancer Screen

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FAQ & Answers - Only $9.95 - See Listing

EZ Detect® Colon Cancer

Screen Kit™

FAQ and ANSWERS:

1. My doctor hasn’t talked to me about colorectal cancer screening. Why?

Physicians routinely recommend Pap smears, prostate cancer screenings, mammography and chest x-rays for patients, but hardly recommends colorectal cancer screenings. It may be because the uneasiness physicians and patients feel in discussing colorectal cancer. However, embarrassment is no reason for the delay in detection since the cure rate can be as high as 95% if detected early. Screening is safe, effective, and can save lives.

2. What screening tests do I need?

The Colon Cancer Alliance recommends that beginning at age 50, you need to:

¨ Have a fecal occult blood test yearly

¨ Have a digital rectal exam (DRE) every 5 to 10 years

¨ Have a sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or a colonoscopy or double contrast barium enema every 5 to 10 years

3. What is Sigmoidoscopy and when is it used?

Sigmoidoscopy is a visual examination of the rectum and lower portion of the colon that is performed in a doctor’s office. This test can be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful.

4. What is a Colonoscopy and when is it used?

Colonoscopy is the most thorough test procedure. It is a visual examination of the rectum and the entire colon that is performed in a hospital or a clinic. A gastroenterologist uses a slender, flexible lighted instrument (colonoscope) to look at the inside walls of the full length of the colon. This exam does not cause pain, but it does cause some discomfort. Sometimes a general anesthesia may be needed.

5. What is Barium X-Ray and when is it used?

Barium X-Ray or double contrast barium enema (DCBE) is an x-ray examination of the rectum and entire colon performed in a hospital or a clinic. Your doctor or health care professional will give you an enema that contains white dye or barium, followed by an injection of air, to allow the doctor to take x-rays of the lower intestine.

6. What is a fecal occult blood test?

The fecal occult blood test detects occult blood (blood not visible to the naked eye) that indicates that there is bleeding present in the gastrointestinal tract. This type of bleeding may be a symptom of colorectal cancer.

7. If the test is positive, does it mean I have cancer?

A positive test indicates that there may be bleeding present in the gastrointestinal tract. Polyps, hemorrhoids, rectal fissures, or even stomach ulcers can cause bleeding that would give a positive result. The positive test result may or may not be related to cancer, so it is important to see a physician as soon as possible to determine what is causing the bleeding. Some studies suggest that only 5-10% of those with a positive test result will be diagnosed as having cancer.

8. If my test result is negative, does it mean I don’t have cancer?

A negative test only means that there was no sign of blood detected at that time. It doesn’t mean that you don’t have cancer. Blood in the stool may occur intermittently or not at all. This test does not substitute for a regular physical and rectal examination by your physician.

9. If I have a positive result, how should I follow up?

You should go see your family physician as soon as possible.

10. Should I take the test even if I have no symptoms?

Yes, you should take the test even if there are no symptoms found. Many cancers and polyps do not cause pain or other symptoms on the onset, but it can be detected at an early stage by finding small quantities of blood in the stool.

11. Are there diet restrictions required prior to taking the test?

No, there are no diet restrictions required before taking the test. However, for two days before and during testing, try to eat vegetables, fruits and cereals.

12. Why should I remove toilet cleaners, disinfectants or deodorizers from the toilet bowl and tank?

The toilet cleaners, disinfectants or deodorizers from the toilet bowl and tank may interfere with the test because of the trace chemicals in the water.

13. How long should I observe the EZ DETECTÔ pad for a color change?

You should wait at least 2 minutes.

14. Why should I reseal the foil pouch after removing the first pad?

The purpose of resealing the foil pouch after removing the first pad is to protect the remaining pads from light and moisture that can influence the future testing of the pads.

15. What are the chances of survival for someone with colorectal cancer?

If the cancer is found early and treated properly, more than 90% of patients survive five years or more. That is the reason why taking this test is so important for early detection.

Background - Patient Info - Health Provider Info - FAQ & Answers - Only $9.95 - See Listing

NOTE: California Residents - Business and Professions Code 1246.5 Requires That Any Test that has not been approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration for sale to the public without a prescription as an Over-The-Counter Test kit must be ordered by a Licensed physician acting on a patient's behalf. All orders for test kits within the state of California

NOTE: New York State Residents New York State health law prohibits the testing of certain specimens collected in or mailed from New York, and prohibits the transmission of data from our laboratory to NY physicians or residents. Therefore, direct receipt of lab results for NY residents is not possible.

International Residents & Orders: Extra shipping charges may be added for international orders. Patients will be contacted by e-mail or telephone to approve charges.