Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in the US. Yet many people don’t follow the American Cancer Society’s recommendations for testing. And the testing rates tend to be even lower for people in certain racial/ethnic minority groups, with less education, and/or with lower levels of income.
Since many colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented through proper screening, why don’t more people take this critical step?
It’s time to think about what’s keeping you from getting a colonoscopy and why you should make it a priority.
Colorectal Cancer Is Often Undiagnosed
Do you avoid visiting your doctor unless you’re sick or you’re having new health symptoms? That’s one of the main reasons colorectal cancer is left undetected. This form of cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages. So unless you’re visiting your doctor for regular checkups, you might not realize you should be tested for colorectal cancer.
Language barriers also keep some people from getting this potentially life-saving test. That’s why VNA Health Care offers educational materials in English and Spanish – such as this video on colorectal cancer prevention a large percentage of bilingual employees, and provides interpreter services in multiple languages during patient visits. You can also get colonoscopy resources in Spanish from places such as the American Gastroenterological Association. It’s easy to get the details you need to make a smart decision about screening for colorectal cancer!
Some people are too embarrassed to talk about it. No one really likes talking about stool samples or colorectal screening. But your health is a lot more important than a little embarrassment.
Getting Screened Is Easier Than Ever!
If the idea of a colorectal cancer screening makes you worried, here’s good news: The tests are now easier, faster, and take less effort than they used to.
Based on your risk factors and health history, your doctor will decide if you can start by taking a stool sample at home. It’s easy, private, and convenient. If the at-home test (such as the FIT test) is negative, you won’t need to test again for a few years (as long as you don’t develop symptoms).
If the at-home test is positive, or if you have colorectal cancer risk factors or symptoms, you’ll likely need a colonoscopy. But if the colonoscopy results are negative, you probably won’t need another one for 10 years.
Don’t Miss a Colon Cancer Diagnosis
Still worried about colorectal cancer testing? Don’t let it get in the way of your health.
If you’re between the ages of 45 and 75 and you’ve never had a colorectal cancer screening, you’ve missed a colonoscopy appointment, or you’re having new gastrointestinal symptoms your doctor doesn’t know about, it’s time to call VNA Health Care.
The VNA Health Care team can help you get screened for colon cancer—easily, quickly, safely, and privately. Your healthcare provider will determine the best test option for you, and our on-site lab will analyze your stool sample quickly. If you need a colonoscopy, we’ll coordinate your care with a gastroenterologist and ensure you know what to expect.
Make an appointment with VNA to discuss your colorectal cancer screening options: online here or by calling (630) 892-4355.