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GOVERNEUR, N.Y. – Kinney Drugs is highlighting two types of non-invasive Colorectal Cancer (CRC) screenings during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. CRC is still the 2nd most common cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., and younger adults are at increasing risk. In people aged 40-49, CRC is the No. 1 leading cause of cancer death in males and the No. 2 leading cause in females. In early stages, people typically have no symptoms. In later stages, symptoms can include a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.
“CDC data shows that reaching 100% screening could save thousands of lives annually,” said John Marraffa, president. "While progress has been made, local screening rates still lag in many communities that we serve, typically ranging from 73% to 79%. To bridge this gap, Kinney Drugs pharmacists are proud to offer two non-invasive CRC screening options at low or no out-of-pocket cost. We urge everyone to take advantage of these resources that are proven to save lives."
Deaths are being prevented through screenings such as FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Tests), prescription diagnostic tests, and colonoscopies. A colonoscopy is the most effective way to detect and prevent colorectal cancer. It is an invasive outpatient medical procedure ordered by a physician that requires sedation. Colonoscopies are especially advised for patients who are symptomatic, have had tissue removed during a previous colonoscopy, have a family history of colorectal cancer, and/or have certain inherited diseases or inflammatory bowel disease.
Two non-invasive screening tests are available through Kinney Drugs:
1. FITs (Fecal Immunochemical Tests) are inexpensive, over-the-counter, non-invasive rapid tests people can do at home to test their stool for hemoglobin, the protein found in blood. A positive result doesn’t necessarily indicate cancer and may indicate other conditions; therefore, patients should contact a healthcare provider, who would likely recommend further testing such as a colonoscopy to determine the cause of the bleeding. FITs detect one biomarker from polyps or lesions that bleed intermittently and are less effective at detecting proximal cancers. For average-risk individuals, a FIT is typically recommended every one to two years.
2. For people aged 45-75 at average risk for colon cancer, Kinney Drugs now offers a Prescription Diagnostic Test that detects 92% of colon cancers, even in early stages. The test identifies colorectal cancer and precancer biomarkers through altered DNA and/or blood in the stool. After completing a quick online questionnaire at https://kinneydrugs.com/pharmacy/stay-healthy/colorectal-screening/, eligible patients receive a diagnostic test kit within days. The test can be completed in the comfort of home and does not require special preparation, dietary or medication changes, sedation, or time off from work.
Once complete, patients send their kit to a laboratory via free UPS shipping, and results are provided in a secure link. All positive results also trigger a call from a telehealth provider who can help with next steps. With consent, patients’ primary healthcare providers will also be contacted. Nationwide, more than 96% of all patients age 45+ pay no out-of-pocket costs for this test. For those with government insurance, a positive result usually qualifies the patient for full coverage of a follow-up colonoscopy with no cost sharing. For average-risk individuals, prescription diagnostic tests are recommended every three years.
