By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Fecal DNA for Colon Cancer Screening and Cleaner Sidewalks: Which Matters More?
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Diagnostics > Fecal DNA for Colon Cancer Screening and Cleaner Sidewalks: Which Matters More?
DiagnosticsTechnology

Fecal DNA for Colon Cancer Screening and Cleaner Sidewalks: Which Matters More?

Michael Kirsch
Michael Kirsch
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

It’s Saturday morning, and I’m in an undisclosed location drinking a fabulous cup of coffee while turning the pages of The New York Times, knowing that ink and newsprint will be vanis

It’s Saturday morning, and I’m in an undisclosed location drinking a fabulous cup of coffee while turning the pages of The New York Times, knowing that ink and newsprint will be vanishing too soon. Yes, I do have an iPad now, but I haven’t figured out how to blog on it. Any suggestions?

Buried in the first section of the paper is an article on stool, which in my view as a gastro specialist, should have merited front page placement. Yes, we all know the adage, ‘one’s man’s trash is another man’s treasure’, but stool – as in excrement – should be prized by everyone. Perhaps, as a gastroenterologist, I have a jaundiced view on this issue, which explains my dyspeptic reaction.

All Whistleblower posts have an accompanying image, and I wonder what visual would be appropriate here.  I opted against my first choice, and chose instead a photo of our beloved Labrador Retriever, Shoshie, of blessed memory.

More Read

iPad App Makes Dermatology Offices More Efficient
Seniors And Caregivers Are Utilizing Technology To Improve Quality Of Life
Ending the Opioid Crisis: Could Big Data Help?
A Meeting of Minds on the Value of Healthcare IT
How Technology Is Enhancing Healthcare Services

The Times reported a new program to trace canine unscooped poop back to Spot’s owner. Several apartment complexes around the country are now participating. All dogs residing there will submit a DNA sample that will be forwarded to data base. Hopefully, the mailing containers will be secure. It is not clear if a fecal sample can be acquired without obtaining canine informed consent, documented with a paw print, but until the courts rule on this issue, doggie cheek swabbing will continue.

Here’s how it works. If a pedestrian steps in the wrong place, as in ‘glitch’, then a sample from the bottom of the soiled shoe can be mailed to the Turd Squad to determine if there is a DNA match in the data base. If a connection is made, then the pet’s owner will be properly shamed and sanctioned.

Of course, howls of protest will erupt from barking pet owners who will challenge the company’s scientific credentials, or will claim that they were set up by landlords who were seeking back rent. Hey, Dick Wolf, is there a new version of Law and Order Here? How ‘bout, Law and Order: Excremental Intent?

I love seeing gastroenterology making an important difference in people’s lives.

Fecal DNA, I anticipate, will be doing much more for us than keeping our sidewalks a little cleaner. This technology may be the force that transforms colonoscopy from its position as the premier instrument to investigate the colon and to prevent colon cancer into a museum piece. I suspect that that this transformation will occur sooner than we all think.

While the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not approved fecal DNA testing for colon cancer screening, professional societies including The American Cancer Society, the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colon Cancer and The American College of Radiology all endorse stool DNA testing as a screening alternative.

In the coming years, there will be a parking lot rumble among competitors who will argue that their colon cancer screening is best. I think screening colonoscopy has some good years left, but this is not the future. Fecal DNA promises to be one mean screening machine.

TAGGED:fecal DNA testing
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

dental care
Importance of Good Dental Care for Health and Confidence
Dental health Specialties
October 2, 2025
AI in Healthcare
AI in Healthcare: Technology is Transforming the Global Landscape
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
October 1, 2025
Choosing the Right Swimwear for Health and Safety
News
September 30, 2025
sports concussions
Concussion In Sports: How Common They Are And What You Need To Know
Infographics
September 28, 2025

You Might also Like

Twitter Moves Markets: Can It Impact Disease?

May 1, 2013
Health careTechnology

Patient Engagement Solutions – Your Smart Health Software

February 15, 2018
dental care
Dental healthTechnology

5 Technologies That Are Shaping the Future of Dental Care

August 29, 2021

Venture Capital Indicates Trends of Digital Health

July 23, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?