You can be screened for colorectal cancer from the comfort of your home with an easy-to-use test kit.
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, so VA is shining a light on the facts about this cancer, who should get screened and why screening is more accessible to Veterans than you might think.
What is colon or colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in the United States, and each year VA diagnoses approximately 4,000 new cases of it. VA remains committed to improving colorectal cancer outcomes for all Veterans by increasing screening and access to care.
Who should be screened for colorectal cancer?
The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, and screening is recommended for all adults aged 45 to 75. This cancer typically begins as an asymptomatic growth (polyp) on the lining of the colon or rectum. Screening is crucial to detect polyps early before they have a chance to become cancer or to detect cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective.
How does colorectal cancer screening work?
The key to screening is early detection, which is why screening is recommended even when symptoms aren’t present. Screening tests for colorectal cancer check for abnormal growths in the colon or rectum. The tests most commonly used by VA include:
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
Fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is a screening done at home to check for blood in stool that you can’t see, which can be due to polyps or cancer. Flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are tests that involve placing a thin flexible tube with a camera into the colon to look for abnormalities. Sigmoidoscopy examines about half of the colon when compared to colonoscopy. If either FIT or flexible sigmoidoscopy detect an abnormality, a colonoscopy is necessary. During a colonoscopy, polyps can be removed before they become cancer.
Expanding access to colorectal cancer screening with Mailed FIT
VA’s Mailed FIT Program delivers FIT kits to the homes of Veterans eligible for CRC screening, meaning Veterans have access to high-quality CRC screening without leaving their home. This is not only more convenient for Veterans but also helps increase VA’s CRC screening capacity by offering the test to Veterans without requiring them to visit their VA provider.
Innovation in CRC screening technology at VA
While at-home screening can reduce reliance on colonoscopy for CRC screening, providing high quality colonoscopies is critical for Veterans who need the procedure. In service to that commitment, VA has deployed nearly 300 artificial intelligence (AI) computer-aided detection devices in over 100 VA facilities to increase the detection and removal of precancerous polyps. Over 120,000 colonoscopies have already been performed outfitted with these AI devices since their deployment in late 2022.
Addressing equity in CRC screening for all eligible Veterans
VA is actively working to reduce disparities in CRC screening rates among different groups of Veterans. With programs and services that make screening and cancer care more accessible—like Mailed FIT and National TeleOncology—VA’s National Oncology Program is working in collaboration with offices like the Center for Minority Veterans and the Office of Tribal Government Relations to ensure Veterans receive equal services regardless of race, origin, religion, gender or location.
In alignment with President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot goal of reducing the cancer death rate by half within 25 years, VA is at the forefront, leveraging innovative technology and making screening more accessible for all Veterans.
FIT screenings are available through your VA health care provider, who will help determine your eligibility. They cannot be requested online. To learn more about colorectal cancer screening at VA, visit cancer.va.gov and talk to your VA provider.
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I would like to have this test. It is so hard to get in to get my colon checked. I have had a foot taken from my colon and several months later I had to have a lipoma removed from my colon because it was blocking the passage for the waste to not go into the colon to later be pooped out. I feel I should be checked every two years but they said 5 years or more before I was due for a colonoscopy. Maybe I could get this test and have them check it to see if all is well.
SEND ME A KIT TO BE TESTED
There is not a link in the message from the VA about how to get the kit. Please send me the link on how to get the kit.
[Editor: There is no link to request the kit. The last line encourages Veterans to speak with their provider.]
Send me a kit please Stan
Yes, please send me 2 colon cancer screening test kits.
Jim b.
You have to ask your doctor.
Kit info please
I am very interested in having a colon cancer test please sent me a kit.
I have definite reasons to know that my 100% svc connected vet spouse needs a colonoscopy . He currently lived in zostsmus NJ VA home.
I am v seriously trying to relocate him back to our home in greensboro NC.
He has v frequent bouts of violent diarrhea with come blood .
I am very interested in receiving one of the FIT kits. Please forward the info to me.
I am very interested in receiving one of the FIT kits. Please forward the info. Thanks
Send me a kit, please!
Would like a kit.
James A. Christian
I would mm d like to know if my husband and I could get 2 kits to take the colrectal test.
Everyone keeps saying that they don’t tell you how to get a FIT kit…and I thought the same thing. THEN, in reading through the comments, I saw the answer posted (thanks to the Editor — [Editor: The kit isn’t order’able by a Veteran online. In the last line, it asks Veterans to speak with their provider for more information.] The last line says, “To learn more about colorectal cancer screening at VA, visit cancer.va.gov or talk to your VA provider.”
Thanks for highlighting this!!
How do I order one of the mail in kits?
I need one badly
How can I get a test kit sent to me??
Nothing new here only more lies.
I received a letter today advising me that in 2-3 weeks VA will be sending me a Colorectal Kit.
Thank you VA.
Is screening available for me, an 81 year old in very good health with a family history if colon cancer. I have a history of colon polyps and have had a section if my colon removed because of large polyps.
I am 92 years old and in very good health. I would be interested in knowing how to get a FIT system. It has been several years since I have had a colonoscopy. I live alone and take care of myself, but I have a daughter that lives in Lakeville and is helping me with whatever I can’t do myself, but that isn’t very much.
Can anyone there provide the information to order one of theses test kits now (3/15/2024) ?
[Editor: The kit isn’t order’able by a Veteran online. In the last line, it asks Veterans to speak with their provider for more information.]
Hello,
Why is 75 years of age the cutoff?
The reason is that the common medical understanding is that it takes ten years for a new precancerous growth to develop into a cancer. And, based on old studies, it has been assumed that, at age 75, we will all be dead in ten years anyhow. But who makes that decision? That decision is just a guess on the part of your doctor. We might live to be 100 with new advances in medicine. Every VA patient should be asked to share in the decision to screen for colon cancer or not.
The role of other tests in the elderly would be somewhat controversial. At least the VA should consider giving vets a chance to have regular FIT testing and sigmoidoscopy if screening colonoscopy is not offered.
It is very good that the VA is including AI assist at colonoscopy. When just your human doctor performs your colonoscopy, the average rate of detecting colon polyps and cancer is not 100%.
I hope somebody at the VA will pay attention to all the feedback they are getting from vets on this issue.
J.A. Johnson, MD, MPH
I see there is an initiative for colon screening by President’s Moonshot’s goals and that’s impressive to see. For all that veterans have experienced, have been exposed to and have endured during their dedication in the armed forces, I feel that a colonoscopy is very necessary. We may not have symptoms today but due to many exposures, we are in a unique category for a more villigent medical staff to not just following the standard guidelines but to ensure that they listen to their fellow vets. Not everything may be in the records but there is data that supports that there was a possible exposure. We should not be taken for granted, and I feel many times we are not heard.
January I experience a left lower and pain that lasted for almost 4 days and was very concerned. I tried to get an urgent care appointment recommended by the VA and wasn’t able to get anyone to pick up the phone even though they were supposed to be open. I have a history of polyps while on active duty, they were removed and they were not cancerous. I was recommended to have a follow-up exam 5 yrs later (which I did) and to have a repeat colonoscopy 10 yrs. which is now. I expressed my situation with the VA and was replied by a LPN by gastro that I would not get one and I would have to complete a FIT test. Now, who’s listening and where is “This World Class Service” we are supposed to be getting). My provider at the VA put the referral in for me.
Now I have someone is listening. I am devoted to taking care of myself.
Before Biden Administration I was provided a colorectal cancer home test kit every 6 months. I’m 69 and have not had access to test kit for the past 3+ years. I want the kit.
You actually believe that a mere change of presidential administration had something to with colorectal testing? Also, testing someone for colorectal cancer every 6 months is an enormous waste of resources. You aren’t the only veteran in the US. In the past three years; have you asked your provider why you are no longer getting the kit? Have you made an appointment? Have you scheduled a colonoscopy? Do you just sit your heavy balls on the couch, watch Fox News and b-tch all day?
Nowhere in this story, nor thru the multiple links, is there a link or direct contact to request the FIT mailer for my veteran spouse. This should be easier…there is even a successful distribution model with the at-home COVID test kits.
How do I get the kit delivered to my home
Please send the kit
How do I get the kit?
WANT THE KIT
How do I get the home delivered FIT for Colen testing?
When I was 75 years ( 6 years ago )young. I requested from my primary care provider a Geriatrician a colonoscopy and she ordered-requested it for me. It was then scheduled for me at my local ( NAMELESS ) VA MEDICA CENTER. . When the Gastroenterologist came to meet me. Prior to having the needle put in the needle into my arm. The first thing the Gastroenterologist did. Before saying hello and or introducing himself to me was to read my chart that was hanging on the wall by where I was sitting. Then still without and introduction at all. His first was what are you doing here ? I then answered his question saying I had requested a colonoscopy from my Geriatrician and she had scheduled it for me. His reply was “We don’t usually do a colonoscopy for a person of your age. ” Then he walked away. I did not feel comfortable letting him perform a colonoscopy on me because of his remarks. Got up got dressed and left. Now every year the VA mails me the Fecal immunochemical test ( FIT ) I do it. Mail it in and the results get mailed back to me. So far so good, The VA has not yet ordered another colonoscopy for me. Hope that’s because my FIT test are good AND NOT BECAUSE IAM NOW 81 years young. Anonymous Veteran,
So, how is the VA making these at-home tests available to vets?
Yes good article; however, no instructions on how to obtain the FIT. Please advise!
How do you get a at home test ?
Every time I asked for a Fit Kit I was told it would be mailed to me on my birthday. I have never received one. During covid lockdown I was only able to do a video conference with my primary care doctor. Even though I was having bowel pain and diarrhea for over a year. Which still continues. When I did finally have an in person doctor appointment my doctor had left the VA. The new Nurse care practitioner told me I was over 72 years of age and that was the cut off. Now I’m 77 and read the cut off is 75. I have had 1 fit kit in all the years with the VA, and that’s when I had to almost force my doctor to give me one since he had a stack of them on the counter.
Typical VA article leaves out the most important part. How do you order a FIT test kit?
Can I have a colonoscopy test kit mailed to my home?
I’m 77. Should I get a colonoscopy?
How long has the VA been sending out screening kits to veterans? I’m just now finding out about this. I’m glad to know this information.
Nice article, but you leave out the most important part. How to get a FIT kit?
why this article does not tell the veterans how to receive a FIT test at home? This is crazy. Just put a link and let them order one test and have it shipped at home. We shouldn’t have to jump through fire to get something or to find out how to get something that you claim is available to veterans all the time!
I am 89 years I never had any polp during my tests. should I require to have a test.
Says a lot but how to get one .
Can I get 2 kits for my husband and wife.im in the care givers program
I would like get one of them test kit
How can I get a test mailed to me
How do I schedule?
A colonoscopy is the only reliable way to screen for cancer.At 50,I had a sigmoidoscopy and nothing was found and I was told that I was good for 10 years.I also had after that a FIT or fecal occult blood test which was negative at 55.At 56 at the suggestion of my VA PA I had a colonoscopy and I was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer without ANY symptoms.The surgeon told my wife another year and I would have been hopeless,and the fecal occult blood tests were not reliable.I am now 69,will be 70 at the end of this year.My cancer has progressed to stage four metastatic but I am still here after numerous surgeries and various cancer treatments,and leading a very active life.I am infinitely grateful to VA for all the excellent care that I have and have had in the community and at my CBOC.
God bless you sir and for having all your wits about your health. That’s a scary thought. It’s always best to be proactive in one’s own health.
Have a family history of colon cancer. Had a colonoscopy about 3 years ago and was told I need another one soon. To check for more polyps.
I am 85, and in the past colonoscopies I have always had polyps. It’s now been 12 years since I had colonoscope. I did have a Fecal immunochemical test (FIT). I think it’s about time to have a FIT kit. I’m 100% P & T, my stool is always black, what are my options?
You should be enrolled in the VA Healthcare system, since you are 100% P&T. Call your VA primary care Dr. You will get your nurse. Explain to her, what is going on. She/He will advise you as to what to do. I am not sure what the recommended age is, for the cut off of colonoscopys. But, my neighbor who is 90, just had one last year-because of the symptoms he was having.
You should talk to your primary doctor. Let them know how long it’s been and see about getting a kit or getting a colonoscopy scheduled. Best of luck to you sir.
Paul,
Are you taking an Iron supplement? That will turn your stool black
The article tells everything about the home cance test EXCEPT how to get one??
Contact your VA Primary care Doctor. When I went for my yearly visit, they had them in the office. It is a small kit, that has everything in it. Follow the instructions and mail it back to the VA. If you are not enrolled in the VA Healthcare system, enroll and you will get one on your first visit.
Contact your VA Doctor. The one you see on a regular/yearly basis. They have the kits in their office.
Go through your PCP. Save this article or email in case they play the nut role.
By Chance has the VA given you a reply or follow up to your Inquiry/Comments/Question?
how do i get a kit
My thoughts exactly!
I got to the end and said, and you don’t tell how to get one?
Having had all 3 types of the tests done, the colonoscopy is the gold standard, the Sigmoidoscopy is extremely painful and the fecal test is the easiest. But if one has Hemorrhoids, and they bleed, the fecal test (in my case) always came back positive. So it was of no use to me. The only downside to the colonoscopy is the prep before hand. And if you have ever had one done-you know what I am talking about. I push colonoscopys because colon cancer runs in my family. The two biggest excuses I come across is : I just don’t want to go through with it and 2. They have talked with someone who has gone through the prep. There is something new for the prep now. My last colonoscpy, the Dr. prescribed a single small bottle of liquid. My copay was $35.00 on it. And it was worth it. That bottle was all the liquid I had to take. Nothing else. I think once the new prep becomes more common knowledge, more people will get the colonoscopy.
So true. I’ve been through one colonoscopy and the prep at the time that I did it was a beast. And to me that was the worst part of the colonoscopy but if you say they have a new less extreme method of prepping, I look forward to it next time I have to get a colonoscopy. This is good to know. Thank you.
Muy importante, esta información. Agradezco la misma.
Deben hacer más comunicaciones como esta.