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Morning News

Dr. Donald Henson Discusses New Screening Test for Colon Cancer

Aired October 25, 2000 - 9:18 a.m. ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: There's a new genetic test, screening test, that is offering promise in the fight against colon cancer. Doctors say that the research and existing test to screen for the disease could make a life-saving difference.

CNN medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen has details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Colon cancer is the second-biggest cancer killer, but doctors say it doesn't have to be that way.

DR. LAURA SEEFF, CDC: This is a disease that is very preventable and also very treatable if it's caught early.

COHEN: Colon cancer screening rates are very low. Only 20 to 30 percent of people who should get screened do. Often, people are afraid of tests like a colonoscopy, where a tube is inserted into the rectum.

A new screening test still in the experimental phase is easier on the patient. It's done on a stool sample. The test has yielded some promising although preliminary results. It detected 91 percent of cancers and 73 percent of precancerous polyps, and it had no false positives in people with normal colons.

DR. DAVID AHLQUIST, MAYO CLINIC: We were excited by the results and they were beyond our expectations.

COHEN: The test works like this: Cancers and polyps in the colon shed DNA into the stool. The test then looks for these specific DNA fingerprints.

The test is being developed by Exact Labs and the Mayo Clinic, which is an investor in Exact Labs. Other centers are also developing genetically based tests. Johns Hopkins University says they've achieved results similar to those at the Mayo Clinic.

Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE) BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Now to Washington to talk more about this new colon cancer screening test. Dr. Donald Henson with us right now.

Dr. Henson, good morning to you, from the National Cancer Institute. Nice to see you.

DR. DONALD HENSON, NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE: Good morning.

HEMMER: You know this is big and important stuff. What's best about the new procedure, Doctor.

HENSON: First of all, it's not invasive. And secondly, it's more accurate than the existing test. The fecal occult blood test, which is commonly used in Doctors' offices. The fecal occult blood test, to be blunt, is not very accurate, and it is really not very good. And this new test based on new molecular biology promises to detect cases of very early cancer and detect precancerous lesions in individuals destined to get cancer.

HEMMER: How big of a breakthrough, Doctor, could this be once available?

HENSON: I think this would be significant. I think it would totally replace the fecal occult blood test. I think it would lead to patients who need colonoscopy or who need further evaluation receiving the evaluation, and those who do not will not receive it. In other words, this test will lead to a rather significant reduction in the cost of medical care.

HEMMER: Again, though, for folks out there interested in this, how long before the new technique can be employed across the country?

HENSON: We would estimate three to four years. The Mayo Clinic is continuing to investigate this with support from the National Cancer Institute, and our estimates are three to four years.

HEMMER: Results and numbers show that only 20 to 30 percent who need colon testing actually go through with it.

HENSON: That's correct.

HEMMER: Is the ultimate issue, Doctor, helping to change habits in this argument?

HENSON: That's partly true, yes, to try to change habits. But more importantly, the test, this test, should stimulate individuals to be tested for colon cancer since the disease is -- can be diagnosed very early and successfully treated. And the test is highly accurate.

HEMMER: Throw you some numbers right now: 135,000 diagnosed every year with colon cancer; 56,000 die every year because of it. Colon cancer accounts for 10 percent of all cancer deaths. In addition to that, what we know we'll put on the screen right now. The common advice goes like this: Get your screening at the age of 50. And if you have a family history for the disease, make sure you do it earlier.

Given what we're talking about, do those two facts still hold up?

HENSON: Oh, yes. The tests for colon cancer may not be all that convenient -- we're well aware of that -- but if followed, the tests are very accurate. And through complete -- continued testing, we are can control the disease.

HEMMER: Good advice and good to hear, and good to remind folks, too.

Dr. Donald Henson, live in Washington, thank you, sir.

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