What is ColoAlert®?
Its a non-invasive and highly sensitive stool DNA test for the early detection of colorectal
cancer. It specifically screens for mutations in bowelcell DNA, that indicate cancer growth rather than an undefined source of blood alone. In addition, the ColoAlert® kit quantifies the amount of human DNA and haemoglobin for a more comprehensive screening profile.
Whos is for?
ColoAlert® Stool DNA test are for patients aged 45+ yrs – frequency: every 3 years.
It is therefore an excellent option for patients who do not wish to undergo a bowel scope without cause.
Is it available on the NHS?
Currently not available on the NHS, but accessible privately.
Where is it available?
At Pallmall Medical based in Manchester, Liverpool and Newton-le-Willows
and can be ordered online on this site or on Pallmall`s website
Why use ColoAlert® and just FIT?
ColoAlert® is a non-invasive screening test that is superior to FIT in terms of sensitivity,
while offering the same comfort and convenience in collecting the sample at home. It is
currently the only stool DNA testing kit for colo-rectal cancer screening via the direct detection of mutated tumour DNA in Europe. The colon mucosa continuously sheds cells, which get passed into the stool. In case of colorectal cancer, unhealthy cells will equally be shed into stool,along with normal healthy cells. ColoAlert® in principle can detect those unhealthy cancer DNA cells early, in some cases even before any abnormal cell growths can be endoscopically detected through a bowel scope and long before any symptoms (such as bleeding) may appear.
FIT test for blood in stools only
Colorectal cancer can also release blood into the stool, which is detectable by FIT. However, blood in stool may also be caused by other health conditions such as inflammation, haemorrhoids and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Furthermore, not all bowel cancer polyps, especially in early stages and right-sided ones, will have blood shedding in the stool.
Important Note:
ColoAlert® does not analyse your hereditary genetic information. The test
exclusively analyses DNA changes that are associated with colorectal cancer.