Katie’s story: A push for timely colon cancer screening
Meet Katie
Colon Cancer Survivor, Screened with the Cologuard® test
At a glance
- At 48, Katie had her first colon cancer screening using the Cologuard test.
- When it turned out positive, it was easier for her to get a colonoscopy because Cologuard eased the mental barrier to getting one.
- A mass was detected in her descending colon and a couple of polyps, one of which was cancerous.
- After getting a portion of her colon removed, Katie’s lymph nodes are now clear, and she doesn’t need further treatment.
- She now wants to call attention to timely colon cancer screening, especially for adults 45 and older at average risk.
“I want to let people know that even if you’re feeling perfectly fine, there’s a reason why these early detection recommendations from doctors are in place.”
Katie had heard about Cologuard—she’d seen the commercials on TV and even knows a friend who has used it. So at 48, when her doctor recommended a colonoscopy during a physical exam, she wasn’t sure. A Cologuard test was suggested, which, Katie feels, eased her into the right mental space.
“I liked the idea of doing Cologuard first because it’s less invasive, you can use it at home, etc. So that was the route I took, because of the ease of use, you know? I guess part of me thinks that if it were just a colonoscopy presented to me, would I have been as quick to do it? I don’t know if I would have been. It was a less invasive version to try first.”
When her Cologuard test turned out positive, Katie knew she had to find out more, and by that time, she was mentally prepared to undergo a colonoscopy.
“I was like, I want to get this checked out further,” Katie continues. “I said, let's go do the colonoscopy and see if it turns out positive, and into something I need to be concerned with or not.”
“I thank my general practitioner because if she had not broached the subject, getting tested wouldn't have been on my radar. I also appreciate having Cologuard and having that sort of first, less intimidating step to get tested.”
Katie’s colonoscopy detected a mass in her descending colon. It also found a couple of polyps, one of which was cancerous.
With the support of her partner, close friends, and doctor, Katie underwent surgery to remove a portion of her colon. Her lymph nodes were tested soon after, and happily, they were clear, and no further treatment is needed.
Today, Katie is grateful. She believes that early detection made all the difference in catching her cancer early.
“I feel like I'm the first round of people doing this out of my friend group, like in my late 40s,” Katie relates. “I haven’t heard much about people buzzing around colonoscopies. So, I really feel it's important to lend a voice and make sure others know that it’s something that can affect people our age. It’s definitely not something that people should be sleeping on. I thank my general practitioner because if she had not broached the subject, getting tested wouldn't have been on my radar. I also appreciate having Cologuard and having that sort of first, less intimidating step to get tested.”
This story reflects one individual’s experience. Not every person will have the same treatment, experience, outcome, or result. The Cologuard test is prescribed by a health care provider. Talk to your health care provider about available screening options and whether the Cologuard test may be right for you. There are potential risks associated with the Cologuard test and it may not be appropriate for all patients. For more information about the risks, talk to your health care provider or visit Cologuard.com/risk-information for more information.