FAQ

How does colorectal cancer form?

The lining of the colon is a very dynamic tissue where old and dead cells are replaced with new cells every day. Over time, this high cell renewal rate can cause polyps to develop and some might grow uncontrollably, resulting in cancer.

What is ColoClear?

ColoClear is an at-home, non-Invasive stool collection kit for detection of colorectal cancer and benign neoplasia.

Who can use ColoClear?
This test is particularly beneficial for people aged over 40 who are at average or higher risk for colorectal cancer. This includes, but is not limited to individuals who have:

• A family history of colorectal cancer
• A medical history of malignant colorectal tumours
• Previously suffered from intestinal polyps
• Previously suffered from intestinal polyps
• A medical history of appendicitis and/or an appendectomy
• Symptoms affecting the bowels (e.g. diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, bloody stool), including younger individuals (above age 18)

Why should I get screened?

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the colon or rectum that can invade nearby tissues or spread to other organs. Normally, colorectal cancer starts as a polyp (small growth) that gets larger over time. Not all polyps are cancerous, but some do turn into cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Hong Kong, making up 15.8% of all cancer cases.* Early detection of colorectal cancer increases chances of full recovery. ColoClear combines existing technology with the latest developments to bring you a test that detects cancerous and pre-cancerous biomarkers in your stool. It is easy to use, less invasive compared with a colonoscopy, and results can be ready in 5 business days.

* According to Center for Health Protection Hong Kong

When should I not use ColoClear?
You should not use a ColoClear test kit if you are experiencing any of the following conditions:

• Menstrual bleeding
• Diarrhoea and/or watery stool
• Gastrointestinal/rectal bleeding (e.g. actively bleeding haemorrhoids)

The conditions listed above increase the likelihood of stool sample contamination with traces of blood and/or abnormal cells that are not necessarily due to colorectal cancer. Therefore, it is best not to take this test under these conditions.

Individuals who have been diagnosed with the following conditions should not use ColoClear

• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
• Crohn's disease
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) including Chronic Ulcerative Colitis (CUC)

What do your ColoClear results mean?

A positive (+) result indicates that a signal for colorectal cancer lesions has been detected in the stool sample. You will likely need to plan a follow-up colonoscopy with your healthcare provider.
A negative (-) result indicates that based on the sample, no colorectal cancer lesions have been detected, and there is a low possibility of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps.