FIT for Life: Colorectal Cancer Screening

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer diagnosed, and second most common cause of cancer death in the United States.1 On a given  year, about  1,900+ Coloradans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and sadly, 680 will lose their lives to this disease. But there’s some good news: there are several screening options available to catch colorectal cancer early, when it is more treatable. At-home tests can detect blood or abnormal cells in the stool. Medical procedures like colonoscopies can even prevent cancer by finding and removing polyps, which can turn into cancer over time.

Learn more about colorectal cancer and screening here.

1. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html

A FIT kit, short for Fecal Immunochemical Test, detects hidden blood in the stool, a possible indicator of cancer or precancerous conditions. You don’t need any special diet or preparation for this test. It’s non-invasive, private, and it can be done in the comfort of your home.  FIT kits detect potential issues early when they’re most treatable. Early detection is key to survive cancer, and with a FIT kit, it’s easier than ever. Read more about the differences between colonoscopies and stool-based tests on the CUCancer Center blog.

COE is distributing free FIT kits at community-events, and through community publications statewide. Teaming up with community partners, we’re also providing education on colorectal cancer risk and prevention while handing out FITs to individuals who are eligible. You can read more about the project on the CU Anschutz Cancer Center blog.

Free FIT kits are available for people who meet all of the following criteria:

• Between the ages of 45 – 75
• Have NOT had a FIT test in the last year, or Cologuard test in the past 3 years or colonoscopy in the past 10 years
• Under or uninsured

Simply complete the test at home and mail it to the lab for processing. Participants may be able to access their results online and will also be contacted by a COE patient navigator to discuss their results. Kits available while supplies last.

Participants who get a positive result will be contacted by a COE staff member and will receive a letter via Certified Mail from our office. A positive FIT test does not necessarily mean cancer, but it does mean a colonoscopy is the recommended next step. If the result is positive, a COE staff member can help you with this step. Our navigators can help individuals who receive a free FIT kit who get a positive test result to schedule a colonoscopy.

A COE staff member will call participants who receive a negative result, and ensure the participant understands the result, answering any questions they may have.

We are offering these FIT kits for free to eligible people.

COE has also received funds from the Colon Cancer Coalition and the Colon Cancer Alliance to help pay for colonoscopies for eligible people that have a positive FIT test.

Eligible individuals can receive a free FIT kit by attending an upcoming community event we’re a part of or ordering your kit online. You can also contact Tatiana Gerena at [email protected] or 720-441-2529.

Please allow 1 – 3 weeks for shipping.

Please fill out our contact form if your organization would like more information on colorectal cancer or our no-cost FIT kit program.

Fill out our contact form for more information.