On April 2, 2020 Exact Sciences Corp. (NASDAQ: EXAS) reported it would be devoting significant patient education resources toward the ability to request Cologuard online through a telehealth provider (Press release, Exact Sciences, APR 2, 2020, View Source [SID1234556086]). During the COVID-19 pandemic, people are staying home to avoid spreading the virus. Telehealth offers a way to screen more people at home, even during a public health crisis.
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"Cancer doesn’t stop for anything. As the country faces a pandemic, we are letting people know they can request Cologuard online from a health care provider, without an office visit," said Kevin Conroy, Exact Sciences chairman and CEO. "While Americans are at home trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their communities, they can address another pressing public health issue and get screened for colorectal cancer."
Colorectal cancer, the second leading cancer killer in the U.S.,1 is more treatable when detected early, making timely screening essential. 2 Despite this, an estimated 53,000 Americans will die this year from colorectal cancer.1 As the only FDA-approved stool DNA test for colorectal cancer, Cologuard found 92% of all colorectal cancers,3 including 94% in stages I and II4 in a large clinical study of patients 50 and older. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends Cologuard as a screening test for average risk patients.5 Patients can use Cologuard without any preparation or changes in diet and medication. The Cologuard collection kit is delivered to a patient’s door, and home pick-up can be scheduled by calling Exact Sciences Laboratories’ 24/7 Customer Care Center at 1-844-870-8870. Test results are provided to the ordering physician in approximately 14 days.
People can visit Cologuardtest.com to learn more about telehealth options for their screening needs, including how telehealth providers can review patient information and risk factors and, if appropriate, prescribe Cologuard. Cologuard is intended to screen adults 45 years of age or older, who are at average risk for colorectal cancer. It is not a replacement for colonoscopy in high-risk individuals. Cologuard is available by prescription only.
Any positive Cologuard test result should be referred for a diagnostic colonoscopy. Recognizing it may be challenging to schedule a follow-up colonoscopy immediately during the COVID-19 pandemic, Exact Sciences is actively exploring ways we may be able to support patients as they navigate those next steps.
Exact Sciences’ testing labs remain operational at this time. Business continuity plans are in place at all sites to help sustain operations and ensure continuity of service for patients during this unprecedented time. Customer Care teams are available 24/7 to help patients complete their Cologuard collection kit and schedule an at-home pick-up by calling 1-844-870-8870. Cologuard kits can also be dropped at any UPS location.