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After the age of 50, getting regular physicals and annual exams become even more important. But some of the tests and procedures can be uncomfortable or embarrassing. Such is the case with colon cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in the USA. Fear of the dreaded colonoscopy is a reason why some don’t get screened regularly.

What if you could screen yourself for colon cancer from home, without any invasive procedures or trips to the doctor? Would you do it? Now you can, with a FIT kit.

What is a FIT kit and how does it work?

FIT is an acronym that stands for Fecal immunochemical Testing (FIT). The FIT kit is a testing kit used to teste for colon cancer by analyzing a stool sample. It’s easy-to-use, non-invasive and can find signs of colon cancer at its earliest stage, before there are any symptoms. You simply collect the sample at home and send it back by mail.

Who is it for and how do I get one?

This test is for those between the ages of 50-76 who have not had been screened for colon cancer within the past year.  To get a test, talk to your doctor. They can decide if this is the best option for you and help arrange for your kit.

Why this test?

About one in 20 people will get colon cancer at some point in their life. With proper screenings, that number could be much lower. Five years ago, a collaboration between CareOregon and several local clinics started in an effort to increase screenings in our members. The BeneFIT program was born and in its first five years, BeneFIT has increased colorectal cancer screenings by 20-25%.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. CareOregon is a sponsor of the American Cancer Society’s Virtual 2021 Oregon Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening Webinar Series Conference. This week’s session, “Mailing FIT,” features a presentation about the BeneFIT program by Kelly Coates, CareOregon’s QI Program Administrator.