Patient Frequently Asked Questions
Section 1: Description of ColonSentry™
Section 2: The Benefits of ColonSentry
- Who can take this test?
- What will the test tell me?
- Will the test tell me if I have colon cancer?
- The results of the test indicate that I have an increased risk of having colorectal cancer - should I go for a colonoscopy?
- Is a second ColonSentry test required to confirm the results of the first?
Section 3: Procedural issues - ordering, processing, reporting
- How often should I repeat the test?
- Do I need a bowel preparation for this test?
- Does this test require fasting?
- How long will I have to wait for the results?
- Who will get the test results?
- Where can I go to get this test?
- Can I go to any lab to have a blood draw?
Section 4: Other
- Can ColonSentry be claimed on my income tax form?
- Is the cost of test covered by the government or by private insurance?
- When will ColonSentry be available in the rest of Canada, the US, and in other countries?
Answers
ColonSentry is the world’s first blood test for colorectal cancer. (back to top)
GeneNews™ Corporation, a Canadian company developed ColonSentry. For over a decade, the company has focused on the application of functional genomics to enable early diagnosis and personalized health management based on disease-specific biomarkers. The company has developed a novel approach, the Sentinel Principle®, to detect and stage virtually any disease or medical condition from a simple blood sample. GeneNews is currently applying the Sentinel Principle in major areas with unmet clinical needs such as cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders. For more information about GeneNews, please visit www.genenews.com. (back to top)
3. What is the science behind ColonSentry?
ColonSentry uses award-winning Sentinel Principle technology as the basis for this test. The test measures the expression of seven genes in whole blood which serve as biomarkers to detect colorectal cancer. Interpretation of the status of these seven biomarkers allows your doctor to give you clinically-based advice about your current risk of having colorectal cancer. (back to top)
4. Who can take this test?
Anyone who should be complying with a regular colorectal cancer screening program. Specifically all asymptomatic individuals between the ages of 50 and 80 are candidates. ColonSentry is particularly relevant for the 85% of the general population who are currently NOT complying with recommended colorectal cancer screening. The test is of great benefit to those who are averse to front-line screening methods such as colonoscopy and fecal-based screening tests. ColonSentry is not intended to replace colonoscopy for those patients who are willing to undergo the procedure. (back to top)
5. What will the test tell me?
ColonSentry assesses your current risk for colorectal cancer at a particular point in time, or in other words, what the chances are today that you actually have the disease. It stratifies your risk of colorectal cancer as “increased” or “decreased” relative to the general population. Such information is valuable to help you and your doctor to make informed decisions. For example, individuals at increased risk can opt to have a colonoscopy. (back to top)
6. Will the test tell me if I have colon cancer?
ColonSentry assesses your current risk of having colorectal cancer. This information can determine whether you should have a colonoscopy. It does not actually diagnose the disease. This must be done with a colonoscopy. ColonSentry tells you about your risk of colorectal cancer at a given point in time. This is different than a genetic test which provides you with information about genetic predisposition, future risk or lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer. If all colonoscopies today were performed on "increased risk" individuals that were pre-identified with ColonSentry, colorectal cancer detection rates would increase by as much as three fold compared with today's detection rates. (back to top)
7. The results of the test indicate that I have an increased risk of having colorectal cancer - should I go for a colonoscopy?
If your ColonSentry current risk result indicates that you have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, it is HIGHLY recommended that you have a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is used to diagnose colorectal cancer. Early diagnosis by colonoscopy can serve to initiate treatment that can cure the disease if the disease is detected at an early stage. Colonoscopy can also be used preventively to remove a precancerous polyps found during the procedure. (back to top)
8. Is a second ColonSentry test required to confirm the results of the first?
No. A second ColonSentry test is only required if there is a problem with your original sample. In this case, the company will inform your doctor of the sample failure and, if necessary, a second blood sample may be collected and tested at no additional cost. Your doctor will inform you of whether this is necessary. (back to top)
9. How often should I repeat the test?
ColonSentry can be ordered as a stand-alone test or with other tests as part of a comprehensive physical examination. There is no standard frequency with which ColonSentry should be ordered, but it makes sense to include it along with other routine tests as part of your regular check-up. As with all screening tests, ColonSentry is not a one-time test. It must be repeated at regular intervals for maximum effectiveness because your current risk result has no bearing on your future risk of developing colorectal cancer. (back to top)
10. Do I need a bowel preparation for this test?
There is no bowel preparation required for ColonSentry. You simply go to a participating laboratory to get your blood sample drawn.(back to top)
11. Does this test require fasting?
Fasting is not required. It is also not necessary to alter your medications or your diet prior to the test. (back to top)
12. How long will I have to wait for the results?
Your results will be sent to your doctor within five business days from the date of receipt of the blood sample. (back to top)
13. Who will get the test results?
The test results will always be provided to your doctor who will be able to explain and discuss your results with you.(back to top)
14. Where can I go to get this test?
The blood draw will take place either at an independent medical laboratory or clinic. Your doctor should be able to provide you with a list of participating laboratories where blood samples are accepted for the test. This routine blood draw is just like other blood tests. The blood is drawn by a health care provider. The blood sample is then shipped to GeneNews’ ISO certified laboratory facilities where it is analyzed by certified medical technologists. (back to top)
15. Can I go to any lab to have a blood draw?
No. To guarantee results of the highest possible standards, GeneNews currently accepts only a few participating laboratories. For a full list of laboratories and clinics that are accepting blood samples for the ColonSentry test, please click here. (back to top)
16. Can ColonSentry be claimed on my income tax form?
The ColonSentry test can be claimed to obtain medical expense tax credits and therefore you should retain a receipt copy for tax purposes. For more information on how to claim ColonSentry in your income tax, please refer to this link. (back to top)
17. Is the cost of the test covered by the government or by private insurance?
Currently, ColonSentry is being offered directly as a self-pay service. The test may be covered by your medical benefits provider, either your employer or through your insurance plan. GeneNews is actively working with private payers to secure additional coverage for ColonSentry. Please consult your medical benefits provider to inquire about whether ColonSentry is covered. (back to top)
18. When will ColonSentry be available in the rest of Canada, the US, and in other countries?
ColonSentry is currently available only in Ontario. We are working with partners to offer ColonSentry in other areas . (back to top)