If only Mr. Garcia had taken the $895 Shield test things might have turned out differently. It works by detecting tumor DNA in blood samples.
Years ago when renewing a self-funded plan we encountered an underwriting problem. An employee had recently been diagnosed with colon cancer and the stop loss carrier wanted an attending physician statement complete with medical records.
With a signed release I went to his doctor’s office and waited as the girls in the office photocopied Mr. Garcia’s medical records.
“It’s so sad about Mr. Garcia” said the nurse who handed over the records. “It didn’t have to happen! He is such a kind man.” There was a deep sadness.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
Looking at her other co-workers for approval, she relayed the sad story about Mr. Garcia. He was an immigrant from years before, hard working. He never missed a day of work in all his years. He was kind and never met a stranger and treated everyone he met with respect. the old fashion way. Si Senor, Si Senorita. Yet at the same time he was a very private person.
The symptoms were evident. Rectal bleeding. Too embarrassed to tell his wife or his friends, he did his best to keep it a secret. Time went by, bleeding stopped for a while, then began again. His wife discovered the truth and demanded he see a doctor and made the appointment.
“If Mr. Garcia had sought treatment sooner he may have beaten it” said one of the girls. “But it’s too late now, nothing will save him”
If only Mr. Garcia had taken the Shield test things might have turned out differently. It works by detecting tumor DNA in blood samples.
Read FDA approves blood test for colorectal cancer screening among average-risk adults in the US
