COLORECTAL CANCER EDUCATION

FIT Kit Tutorial -Towa

FIT Kit Tutorial -English

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal Cancer is a term used to refer to cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. It is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States and the third most common type of cancer in both men and women. Colorectal cancer develops slowly, over a period of several years, and many people have no symptoms until the later stages. This is why regular screening for cancer of the colon and rectum is essential!

Adults age 45 to 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer. Regular screening beginning at age 45 is the key to finding abnormalities in the colon and removing them before they can develop into cancer. When colorectal cancer is found in the early stages, before it has spread, survival rates increase to nearly 90%. Listed below are the different types of screenings for colorectal cancer:

• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

• Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

-The FOBT and FIT are stool sample tests that are done every year and in the privacy of your home. After completion, the stool test kit can be taken to the doctor’s office or clinic.

• Sigmoidoscopy

• A Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic test used to check the sigmoid colon, which is the lower part of the colon or large intestine.

• Colonoscopy

• A Colonoscopy is a test that is done every ten (10) years. This screening can find precancerous polyps (abnormal growth in the colon or rectum) that can be removed before they turn cancerous. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage when treatment works best.

FIT kits are available at the Jemez Public Health Office. Watch the video below for more information and a step-by-step tutorial on how to complete a FIT kit. If you are due for a screening and are interested in receiving an at-home test kit, please call (575) 834-7207 and ask to speak to a member of the Colorectal Health team.

Talk to your health care provider about which test is right for you. If you are between the ages of 45 – 75, get your screening done right away. Colorectal Cancer screenings save lives!

“Making Jemez a healthier place to live.”