Septin9 (Colon Cancer Screening Test)

The Septin9 Test is a screening tool that allows for the detection of colon cancer in its early stages, enabling effective treatment for patients. This is crucial, as early-stage detection significantly increases the chances of a cure — with survival rates exceeding 90%.

In addition, it can detect various types of colorectal cancer, regardless of their location within the colon or rectum.

Some of the main advantages of this test lie in its inherent features. Notably, it offers a higher level of specificity and sensitivity compared to other colon cancer screening methods.

The test is performed through a peripheral blood analysis — that is, a study of the blood circulating throughout the body — to detect the methylated form of the Septin 9 gene. Methylation of this gene is a biomarker associated with colorectal cancer.

If you would like to learn more about the Septin9 Colon Cancer Screening test, below you’ll find all the relevant information.

Colon cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The annual incidence is 740,000 cases in men and 600,000 in women. In fact, colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in men, and the second in women.

The analysis of methylated Septin9 in blood (mSept9) allows for the early diagnosis of colon cancer. As with any disease of this kind, survival rates depend heavily on the stage at which the tumor is detected — making early detection critical. However, only 10% of the adult population undergoes this type of testing.

Most patients show no symptoms and appear to be in good health. Therefore, individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer are considered high-risk and should follow a protocol under specialist supervision.

Operarme and its partner clinics recommend the Septin9 Early Detection Test for Colon Cancer in the following cases:

• Individuals aged 50 and above: In general, all men and women in the average-risk group for colorectal cancer.

• Patients with a personal or family history: Individuals concerned about colorectal cancer, regardless of age, who have had cancer themselves or a family history of the disease.

When is the Septin9 test not recommended?

• Pregnant women: Pregnancy may affect test results, as the Septin9 gene also appears to play a role in normal embryonic development.

• Patients at high risk for colorectal cancer.

Important:This test does not replace a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy remains the standard diagnostic and follow-up procedure for individuals with a personal or family history of colorectal disease. 

Additionally, a medical prescription is required to perform the Septin9 Colon Cancer Screening test.

If you have a personal or family medical history that suggests a potential risk of developing colon cancer and you would like to take the Septin9 Test, you can purchase it by clicking the image below:

Do you need to perform a colon cancer prevention test?

Purchase your Septin9 Test easily and under Operarme's guarantees.

Purchase Test

The Septin9 test is performed using a blood sample. This minimally invasive method helps avoid the complexities and discomfort often associated with other types of colon cancer detection tests.

No prior preparation is needed for this test — there's no need to fast, nor are there any dietary or medication restrictions.

To perform the Septin9 Test, the following are required:

• A medical prescription for the Septin9 colon cancer early detection test.
• A visit to the laboratory so that the genetic specialists can collect the blood sample.
• A blood sample of 10 to 15 milliliters.
• Signed consent and test request forms specific to this procedure.

How is the Septin9 test performed?

The Septin9 colon cancer screening test is done through a blood sample. It detects the methylated form of the Septin9 gene, a blood biomarker linked to colorectal cancer. Methylated Septin9 released by a tumor can enter the bloodstream and be detected through this blood test.

The methylation of the Septin9 gene (mSept9) is associated with colon cancer.

Early detection is critical for successful treatment, as the chances of recovery depend on the stage at which the tumor is found. If detected in the early stages, the success rate is over 90% to 95%.

How will you receive the test results?

The laboratory’s team of genetic specialists will explain how to access your results:

• You’ll be given a private access code to view your personal account.
• There, you can track the status of your report.
• If the results are not yet available, the status will appear as "pending".
• You’ll also receive the contact phone number of the laboratory where you took the test, in case you have questions while waiting for your results.

Before three weeks have passed, the lab will send you the results.

You’ll also be offered a phone consultation with a genetic counselor, who will help you understand the implications of your results.

This consultation is included in the test price, along with the blood collection and analysis. During the session, the genetic specialist will guide you through the interpretation of your results.

Detecting colorectal cancer in its early stages allows for effective treatment in the majority of patients who undergo the Septin9 Test. 

Depending on the result, different actions will be taken:

• A positive result indicates a higher probability of having colorectal cancer, although it does not confirm the diagnosis with 100% certainty. In this case, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy.

• A negative result classifies you as a healthy patient, with 99.9% reliability. A negative result indicates virtually no risk (0.01%) of having colorectal cancer.

However, it's important to keep in mind that although the test has a high sensitivity (70%), there is still a chance of a false negative. For this reason, it's recommended to speak with your doctor and possibly repeat the test in 1 to 2 years, depending on your medical history.

The results of the Septin9 (Colon Cancer Screening Test) will be available 17 days after the blood sample is taken.

The Septin9 colon cancer test is a minimally invasive prevention method that does not involve any perforations or penetrations into the body, thus eliminating the risks associated with such procedures.

In addition, the colon cancer test has several advantages:

1. This test has scientific evidence and is CE marked and FDA approved.
2. The test is done with a simple blood sample, making it easy to repeat in 1 or 2 years, depending on medical recommendations.
3. Being a minimally invasive test, it has a higher patient acceptance rate compared to other colorectal cancer screening methods, such as colonoscopy.
4. No special preparation or dietary restrictions are required before the blood sample is taken.

The Septin9 Test identifies over 75% of tumors in their early stages.

The Septin9 Test (mS9) has a specificity greater than 99.3%, a sensitivity of 80.6%, a negative predictive value of 99.9%, and a positive predictive value of 45.7%.

In addition to offering the latest version of the Septin9 Test, our partner laboratories are staffed with genetics experts and have numerous collection centers, where patient comfort and personalized care are guaranteed.

If you have the required medical prescription or a family history that suggests the need for this test, you can purchase the Septin9 Test by clicking the image below:

Do you need to perform a colon cancer prevention test?

Purchase your Septin9 Test easily and under Operarme's guarantees.

Purchase Test