Colon cancer is a prevalent and potentially deadly disease that affects thousands of people every year. As the third most common cause of cancer in the United States, it is crucial to prioritize colon cancer screening, especially for individuals aged 45 and older. In this post, Dr. Lofley from Blue Ocean Family Medicine discusses the significance of colon cancer screening and highlights the iFob test as a convenient and effective method for early detection.
How common is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer poses a significant health risk, with an estimated 150,000 people in the U.S. being diagnosed with this disease in 2023. Detecting and diagnosing colon cancer early plays a crucial role in decreasing the number of cases and increasing treatment success rates. Routine colon cancer screening enables healthcare professionals to identify potential abnormalities, such as polyps or cancerous growths, at an early stage.
The iFOB Test: A Simple, Inexpensive Test for Early Detection:
One effective method of colon cancer screening is the iFOB (immunochemical fecal occult blood) test. This highly accurate, sensitive, and specific test detects the presence of human hemoglobin, or blood, in the stool. This test is performed at home by collecting a small sample of stool and mailing it into a lab or physicians office. By running the iFob test, healthcare providers can identify blood in the stool and order appropriate follow up tests and treatment. The iFOB test is a recommended test for colon cancer screening by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Performing the iFOB Test at Home:
The iFob test offers the convenience of being performed in the comfort of one’s own home. The test kit includes a collection tube and comprehensive instructions to ensure accurate sampling. To perform the test:
- Label the collection tube with your name and birthdate.
- Place a piece of tissue paper, provided in the kit, across the toilet bowl to secure it.
- Have a bowel movement onto the tissue paper to collect a stool sample.
- Unscrew the lid of the sample bottle and place the collection stick into the sample at six different locations.
- Replace the stick into the bottle and screw the lid securely.
- Put the sample bottle back into the protective pouch, seal it, and place it in the provided envelope.
- Mail the envelope to the clinic or lab for analysis.
The Results and Follow-Up:
Once the iFOB test is completed, the results will be analyzed. If the test comes back negative, it is recommended to continue annual screening to monitor any potential development of polyps or growths. However, if the test is positive, further diagnostic tests, such as a colonoscopy, are typically advised to investigate the presence of colon cancer or polyps more thoroughly.
Affordable Screening at Blue Ocean Family Medicine:
Blue Ocean Family Medicine offers the iFOB test at a reasonable cost of $25 for members of the practice. This accessibility ensures that individuals can take proactive steps towards their colon cancer screening without worrying about the cost. Scheduling an appointment at Blue Ocean Family Medicine allows patients to take home the iFOB test and receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs based on the results.
Members may schedule a visit today to get screened for colon cancer. Non-members can call or text 615-266-6465 to schedule.
