March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. That’s why VA is shining a light on the facts about this cancer, like who should get screened and why screening is more accessible than ever.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Each year, VA diagnoses approximately 4,000 new cases. VA remains committed to improving CRC outcomes for all Veterans by increasing screening and access to care.
Screening for CRC starts at age 45 for Veterans without any known risk factors. CRC is one of the few cancers where screenings, done on a regular basis, can prevent a cancer diagnosis by detecting polyps that can be removed before turning cancerous. Veterans with a family history of CRC or other risk factors should talk to their provider about what screening is right for them.
We’re bringing care to the Veteran
VA’s National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program delivers more than 25,000 fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits each month to the homes of Veterans eligible for CRC screening. This outreach effort is expected to increase the proportion of Veterans who are up to date with CRC screening. We’re on track to deliver more than 350,000 FIT kits this calendar year.
These tests increase VA’s capacity to screen for CRC by providing convenient access to Veterans without requiring them to visit their VA provider. If the FIT is positive, a follow-up colonoscopy will be scheduled.
Innovation and high quality colorectal cancer screening
While at-home screening offers an alternative to colonoscopy for CRC screening, providing high quality colonoscopies is also critical for Veterans who need the procedure. By the end of 2025, all VA facilities that perform colonoscopy will use a standardized documentation system that will allow for quicker and easier monitoring of colonoscopy quality across the enterprise.
In combination with the recent deployment of artificial intelligence devices to improve precancerous polyp detection, this system will promote efforts to ensure all Veterans undergoing colonoscopy within VA have access to the highest quality examinations.
Screening saves lives
We’re saving lives every day through CRC screening. With thousands of Veterans dying from this preventable cancer, our push to get Veterans the screenings they need never stops.
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Thank for the information on this because I always have pollen.
I am 48 years old, and the VA sent for community based care after having IBS issues. I had been offered the mail in test at the VA and should have done it sooner, however I thought I had IBS. I had a colonoscopy and they found a tumor the size of a softball. After a colon resection to remove the tumor, I am now on my second round of Chemo. The care I received saved my life, and I have two young children at home, one who is disabled, and my cancer was serviced connected through the PACT ACT from burn pit exposure. My medical bills in three months are already over 200k, and my Chemo is about 12k a month, however thank god for the VA because I have not had to pay a penny of that. I also am rated at 100% during my cancer treatment and 6 months after and this is helping as I am out of work that I trained using Vocational Rehab after my other deployment related injuries changed my ability to work in my old job. I am so thankful for the VA the staff has been amazing, and the community based care offices are incredible. Thank you VA for saving my life for my family and children! Please use the VA, and advocate and get tested if you have ANY symptoms. I am a “younger” veteran, and my oncologist said they are seeing these cancers in people in the 20s now. Use the VA, you earned it, and they are truly there for you..
I was told by VA I would “age out” at 75…guess by then we longer matter as if us old Vietnam vets ever did.
If you’re looking for a kit contact your local (or closest) VA center or clinic. I have a PCP so it was ordered. However it took 2 years for me to get it. Glad it was negative. Good luck everyone!
you could also very likely get a kit from your local health dept or other healthcare oriented programs in most areas. its always a very good idea to search around and get testing done for as much as possible thru various organizations that offer service . with todays modern abilities is good to follow up on everything that can impair your life so remember you are or should be your best healthcare advocate so looking into local organizations may offer free or more convenient testing or other studies etc that you may want to participate in. be smart about your care and you will most likely see the benefits of not having or catching an issue while it is highly treatable or operable. never neglect your body and the suppoirt it needs by staying on top of testing and lab work,
Colorectal cancer is preventative and thanks for explaining how VA is expanding its screening process. I will share with my fellow veterans.
Thanks!
So how does a veteran order one of these in-home kits? That point seems to have been completely left out of this article. I went to “Ask VA” and there is no provision to ask this question.
The VA Hospital of Philadelphia caught the cancer in my colon more than 10 years ago and revived it without chemotherapy or radiation. I feel blessed and want to thank the VA for all it has done for us veterans.
I also wrote a story about the facility in West Philadelphia.
https://contoveros.com/2023/12/14/excellent-treatment-at-philly-va-hospital/
This would be excellent reading for VA’s PCPs because mine seemed oblivious to CRC screening using the colonoscopy, even though I have a family history of polyps, was 48 years old and having worsening GI symptoms. I was treated like I was a damn fool and gaslighted. I am sick and tired of being told to “advocate” for myself at my VA appointments. It does absolutely no good, it only makes me feel worse. So, I go to a private GI doctor and pay out of pocket and guess damn what: he performs a colonoscopy and an upper GI (by the way, the VA nurse told me they don’t do these procedures at the same time, which is BS) esophagitis, gastritis, multiple polyps, IBS, and a large hiatus hernia. This is after 2 years of complaining about my acid reflux getting worse, the meds not working, and having new and worsening symptoms. My VA PCP sends me to a nutritionist that basically tells me to increase my water intake and start taking a prebiotic that, by the way, is not provided by VA and costs about $40 per month and lacks scientific rigor to say its effective. This is the exact reason why Veterans need the ability to go see private doctors even is they don’t meet community care requirements. Freedom of choice of your doctor should be our right as Veterans. I’ve had amazing VA doctors and crappy private doctors and crappy VA doctors and great private doctors. We need choice!
VA MCSD will not give me a test kit because I alerted I have rectal bleeding. A colonoscopy they will not do because I am recovering homeless and have no escort from the Medical Center. If this is your approximate situation, begin a search for a Medicare Provider. Do not waste time asking VA to reconsider. Be advised, no Federal Law or California State Law permits such an exclusion.
how do we order a kit ?
Don’t trust the kit you do at home! I did that and the VA doctor did not contact me with results. Three years later, a CT scan done and let me know I had cancer and it was a large tumor. A tumor can mestatize into organs and lymph node. Get checked today!!! Colonoscopy does not hurt and it is quick. Do it while you are young.
My family has a history of colon polyps which have been removed through my TriCare for Life eligibility. I am due for a colonoscopy again. I finally got my DD214 so I can use VA care for hearing aids. Should I use VA for these test kits or should I go to my TFL provider to schedule a colonoscopy?
I’m 50 and due for my third colonoscopy this fall. I have a family history of colon cancer and 3 years ago they found polyps and pre cancerous tissue.
How do I go about having the VA do my colonoscopy?
I have not been offered this test kit? how do I request one?
Had 3 polyup removed about 5 years ago! Cancer killed my mother at 38 years young and lost 4 sisters to cancer! Been trying to get appointment with va community care for approximately 8 months and they still have not found me a Dr for exam! Don’t act like va is doing so much to help us with screening!
I was denied testing after age 65!
“Maybe you want to tell we Veterans how to get one of these FIT Kits?”
… I agree!
Whoever wrote this thoughtful article (Dr. Jason Dominitz?) , please re-publish this article with –
useful link(s) for downloading aFIT kig application/request forms, etc.
Please inform how to get the kit !!!! Thank You
I had a polyup during previous colonoscopy and doctor said to get another one in 5 years. When I told my doctor about this, I ask to get scheduled for another check. I was told since I was 81 there was no need for a recheck. I would like to get checked. How do I get doctor to recommend a check? Thank You.
Maybe you want to tell we Veterans how to get one of these FIT Kits?
Get in touch with your primary care provider at your local VA medical center and they will be more than happy to assist.
The VA has never offered a colorectal exam. I’m 78 and am interested in getting checked. How do I do it?
It’s simple battle. Just request it from your PCM (Primary Care Dr. ) They’ll get you fixed up with what you need.