Early Detection, Better Outcomes
Colorectal Cancer Screening
According to the American Cancer Society, excluding skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third-most diagnosed cancer in both men and women. It is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in men and fouth-leading cause in women. When numbers for men and women are combined, it becomes the second-most common cause of cancer deaths in the US.
Each year, more than 50,000 people die from this disease – but with early detection and treatment, chances of survival go way up. When patients are diagnosed and treated in the cancer’s early, localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 88%.
Screening is the key to early detection and treatment and is the first step on the path to survival.
All individuals are recommended to begin screening for colon cancer at age 45. Those with a family history of colon cancer will need to begin screening at an earlier age.
Lifesaving Screenings for All
Colorectal cancers can strike anyone, but early detection and treatment can lead to a positive outcome. If you are an uninsured or underinsured patient of a federally qualified Community Health Center or other primary care provider, you may be eligible to receive low/no-cost colorectal cancer screenings through Horizons.
You may be referred to us by your primary care provider. When you connect with Horizons, you’ll be paired with a Health Navigator who will work one-on-one with you to:
- Help you obtain a low/no-cost screening from one of our healthcare partner providers or hospitals.
- Connect you with follow-up care if your screening uncovers something requiring additional attention.
- Provide you with accurate and reliable information through every step of the process.
- Assist you with transportation to and from treatment if your situation requires it.
To find out if you qualify for a low/no-cost colorectal cancer screening,
please call us: 229-352-9100
Overcoming Screening Reluctance
Aside from the expense, there are other barriers to colorectal cancer screenings. Due to the intimate nature of most screening procedures, you may be reluctant to pursue screenings if you’re not showing symptoms. However, most colorectal cancers don’t present symptoms until the disease has progressed into its later stages.
When you’re referred to Horizons, our first step will be to connect you with either a FIT test or a Cologuard test. These convenient at-home tests are completely non-invasive, painless, and simple to perform. Cologuard and FIT tests check for abnormal DNA or blood in your stool that could indicate any number of medical conditions.
If your Cologuard or FIT results indicate that you need additional testing, we will connect you to a provider for a low- or no-cost colonoscopy. This test will provide a more detailed diagnosis that will guide your treatment options.
If you have questions or concerns about screening procedures, your Health Navigator will be happy to answer your questions and help you choose to get screened.
Colorectal Cancer Facts
The information below comes from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms
It is vital to note that not all colorectal cancers produce symptoms, and even for those that do, symptoms usually appear at a later stage when treatment is less effective. Anyone with risk factors for colorectal cancer must receive regular screenings to detect cancers before they become symptomatic.
If symptoms appear, they may include:
- A change in your bowel habits.
- Blood in or on your stool.
- Diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty all the way.
- Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away.
- Unexplained weight loss.
If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. They are all common symptoms for hundreds of non-cancerous conditions, and your doctor can tell you if you need a screening for colorectal cancer.
Risk Factors
While there is no way to determine who will or will not suffer from colorectal cancer, these factors have been identified as contributing to an increased risk of colorectal cancer:
Lifestyle Factors
While the above risk factors are out of an individual’s control, some lifestyle factors can increase one’s chance of developing colorectal cancer. If any of the following factors apply to you, making lifestyle changes now can reduce your risk in the future:
Other Screening and Information Services
We also connect patients with breast cancer screenings and information.
Horizons can help you be better informed about cancer in general and give you the information you need to discuss other screenings – for prostate, lung, and/or skin cancer – with your doctor.
Concerned About Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer? Call Horizons Today to Find Out if You Qualify for a Low/No-Cost Screening: 229-352-9100
Johnny’s Story of Hope
Johnny was a patient at the Albany Area Primary Health Care’s Dawson Medical Center, referred to Horizons for a primary colorectal cancer screening. His FIT test was positive, and Johnny’s next step was to undergo a colonoscopy for a more accurate diagnosis. Unfortunately, this was all happening during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nonessential procedures were delayed, putting Johnny’s vital screening on hold – and then the pandemic cost Johnny his job. Now uninsured, Johnny turned to his Horizons Health Navigator, who was able to schedule him for a no-cost colonoscopy at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.
Now cancer-free, Johnny’s timely screening and detection of his cancer at a treatable stage has opened a future that would have never been possible without the work of Horizons and our dedicated healthcare partners.