Archbold Offering Free, At-Home Colorectal Disease Screening Kits

Colorectal disease is a general term used to describe various digestive conditions that affect the colon and rectum. Among these diseases is colon cancer, one of the most common and dangerous cancers among men and women. However, when caught in the early stages, colon cancer is treatable in the vast majority of patients.

“Oftentimes, patients with early-stage colon cancer do not develop symptoms and are diagnosed through screening alone,” said Archbold medical oncologist Josh Simmons, MD, FACP. “The good news is, if detected early, colorectal cancer can be curable.”

In November, Archbold is offering free, easy-to-use, at-home screening kits to help community members determine their risk for colorectal disease. Kits will be available from November 6-10 at Archbold Cancer Center.

Screening for colorectal disease is recommended for people 40 years of age and over and for those who have a personal or family history of lower intestinal disorders, colorectal cancers or other cancers. While the incidence of colorectal cancer is decreasing overall, it is on the rise among those under age 55.

The easy-to-use, at-home screening kits are sanitary, require no cleanup or expertise, and are easy to understand and read. Unlike previous screening tools, the free ColoCARE® test offered at Archbold requires no stool handling. These “throw-in-the-bowl” tests detect fecal occult blood, typically not visible to the naked eye, to determine a user’s need for follow-up testing.

It is important to know that colonoscopy is the gold standard of colorectal screening. The at-home screening kits are used to detect early risk factors. If you have a positive result, a colonoscopy will be needed.

“Screenings like this are the most effective tool you have to defend yourself against colorectal diseases, especially those that have no obvious symptoms,” added Simmons. “The test is easy to use and could potentially save your life.”

Interested community members can pick up a free ColoCARE® Kit at Archbold Cancer Center, located at 919 S. Broad St. in Thomasville. Kits will be available November 6-10 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. While no appointment is necessary, the quantities available are limited. For more information, please call 229.584.5520.