Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
WHY IS COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING IMPORTANT?
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. But with healthy lifestyle changes and regular screening, colorectal cancer is very preventable. There are many ways to screen for colorectal cancer depending on your preferences and health history.
Who Should Get Screened?
Who needs to get screened and when you should do it depends on your health history.
- Ages 45-75: Recommended for all average-risk adults.
- Ages 76-85: Your doctor can help you decide what type of screening and how often is right for you.
- Higher Risk: You may need screening earlier or more often if you have:
- A personal/family history of colorectal cancer or polyps (growths)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis)
- A history of abdominal radiation
ABOUT AT-HOME FIT KITS
WHAT IS A FIT KIT?
FIT stands for fecal immunochemical test. It is a simple, at-home stool test that checks for small amounts of blood in your stool. U of U Health Plans offers free FIT kits for eligible members. FIT is an annual screening test for people who do not have bowel symptoms.
WHY ARE FIT TESTS IMPORTANT?
A FIT test can help find colorectal cancer early when it is easiest to treat. It can also help find warning signs that mean you need a colonoscopy, which can find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A FIT KIT?
YOU MAY QUALIFY IF YOU:
- Are 45-75 years old
- Are at average risk for colorectal cancer
- Do not have bowel symptoms
- Do not already need a colonoscopy for higher-risk reasons, including:
- Family history of colon cancer
- Lynch syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Are willing to get a colonoscopy if your FIT result is positive
IT MAY NOT BE RIGHT FOR YOU IF YOU HAVE:
- Blood in your stool
- A change in bowel habits, ongoing diarrhea, constipation, belly pain, or unexplained weight loss
- A personal history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer
- A strong family history of colorectal cancer or certain colon polyps
- Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- A known hereditary colon cancer syndrome
If a FIT test is not right for you, please schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or a GI specialist. You may need a colonoscopy instead of a FIT test.
HOW TO COMPLETE YOUR FIT KIT
STEP 1: Request a kit online.
STEP 2: If you meet the criteria for a FIT test, we will mail one to your house.
STEP 3: Complete the test using the instructions in your kit.
STEP 4: We will send the results to you and your doctor, who can help you understand what to do next if your result is positive. If you test positive and don’t have a regular doctor, please contact us using one of the phone numbers below. We may also reach out to you to discuss next steps.
Questions? Call us Monday – Friday, 7 am – 7pm at:
Healthy U Medicaid: 801-213-4104
Individuals & Family Plans: 801-213-4111
Employer Group Plans: 801-213-4008
MY RESULT IS POSITIVE - NOW WHAT?
A positive FIT test means the test found a small amount of blood in your stool. This does not mean you have colorectal cancer, but it does mean you need a colonoscopy to look more closely and find the cause of this positive result.
- Don't panic. Many things can cause blood in the stool, including hemorrhoids, polyps, or inflammation.
- Contact your doctor. They will schedule a colonoscopy to examine your colon and identify the source of bleeding. If you need help finding a doctor, call us at 801-587-2851 option 2.
- Prepare for your colonoscopy. Your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare.
- Follow through. It's important to complete the colonoscopy even if you feel fine. Early detection saves lives.
If you don’t get a colonoscopy after a few months, one of our care managers may reach out to you to help you with your next steps.