My doctor's office wants me to take a test and I don't want to
By snowy
@snowy22315 (170165)
United States
December 18, 2023 10:43am CST
So, they are big on me getting this cologuard test to detect colon cancer, even though they know I only have an average risk.I was reading about the test and apparently it has a 14 percent false positive rate,and if you get that you are supposed to do a colonscopy. I swore after my last colonscopy I would never do another one, it was that bad. I also am about 99 percent certain I don't have colon cancer, nor does it run in the family. I think I am going to ignore the test and if they ask why give them that info. I hate to get the label "non compliant" which I probably already have..but I just do not want to take that test..with my luck I would get the false positive and be in an uproar about it. No Thank you! Does your doctor's office ever recommend tests you don't want to take?
10 people like this
9 responses
@snowy22315 (170165)
• United States
18 Dec
I am not over 70. OK, asking to repeat isn't a bad idea.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (458575)
• Switzerland
19 Dec
@snowy22315 Unfortunately I am over 70, I would ask to repeat, I would never accept to have a colonoscopy.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34388)
•
20 Dec
That is a very good suggestion. I took the Cologuard test last year. Much better than a Colonoscopy which I've also had. The procedure is no big deal, but the prep solution is the worst tasting stuff I've ever had. I almost felt like I was going to vomit getting it down.
I think they recommend the Cologuard kit at 50?
2 people like this
@much2say (53954)
• Los Angeles, California
18 Dec
My husband just had that colonoscopy done - was his second time. I know how awful it is - particularly the preparation for it. I honestly haven't gone to the doctors for a long time . . . looking for a doctor maybe for next year. I don't doubt they will make take all kinds of tests .. . and I don't want to.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (170165)
• United States
18 Dec
I mean if I thought there was a problem I would probably do it, but I have no reason to suspect one.
1 person likes this
@much2say (53954)
• Los Angeles, California
18 Dec
@snowy22315 Sometimes I wonder about all these tests . . . I mean are they really all that necessary. Sometimes I wonder if it's all about the moola. I wish they had better ways to do these tests, especially for those who are most likely not at risk. 14% false positive sounds kinda high.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85606)
• United States
18 Dec
My BIL did one of those tests because he refuses to have a colonoscopy. He tested negative. If you got a false positive, is there any way they could confirm or disprove it any other way? Like a CT scan? I hate for you to take a chance, and not do anything. I always thought it was a 6% chance of being wrong, but 14% is a lot.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (170165)
• United States
18 Dec
It is...I think if they ask about it, I am just going to tell them that I am uncomfortable with the high number of false positives. It really isn't worth it to me. I think I will only do this if they insist on it.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (49057)
• United States
19 Dec
I only go to the doctor if I absolutely have to. I don’t take every test they recommend either.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (156590)
• United States
19 Dec
I had a Cologuard test a couple of years ago. I'm glad not to have to take a colonoscopy. The prep makes me so sick. I usually take my PCP's suggestions for tests. Have a good day.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (170165)
• United States
19 Dec
I will see if the test shows up here.
1 person likes this
@florelway (23158)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
18 Dec
That could just cause you stress. How can you be assured that your test didn't fall on the false rate
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (170165)
• United States
18 Dec
That is my thinking...if it ain't broke don't fix it!!
1 person likes this
@florelway (23158)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
18 Dec
@snowy22315 Same principle I hold. Tests are not always reliable. If you are falsely tested and you have taken medicines for it you can't anymore rectify the damage to your body. Imagine treating an ailment that is not there.
1 person likes this
@JESSY3236 (18921)
• United States
19 Dec
Yeah I wouldn't do it either. I never had a doctor recommend a test. I don't like getting mammograms, but I am getting one done next week.
1 person likes this
@BearArtistLady (5382)
• United States
18 Dec
My new Primary Care Physician wants me to have the colon test, NOT the cologuard test but the full blown test where they look up where the sun don't shine. Besides the fact of what you go through before they do the inspection up where the sun don't shine. I've avoided it for a lot of years now, and I'm not too anxious to break the pattern. There are other things I'm sure he'll come up with for me to do or take...Hey, I'm an old fart...hummmm, the colonoscopy might be fun, especially after a meal of broccoli and beans. 
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (170165)
• United States
18 Dec
I think it was who was doing it, but I don't care to ever have another one. I will swallow a camera or something but am not going to go through that torture again.
