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The rise in colon and rectal cancer cases is alarming, with the American Cancer Society reporting colorectal cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths in men under 50 and the second-leading cause in women of the same age group.
Drew Massey
One significant issue contributing to this trend is the need for more access to screening. While colonoscopies are the gold standard, they are typically recommended after age 45. The rising number of cases suggests a need for earlier proactive testing.
In the face of health care workforce shortages, pharmacists have an opportunity to play a more prominent role. By offering accessible at-home testing options, we can empower more individuals to screen for early warning signs before symptoms manifest.
Pharmacists are intimately aware of the myriad obstacles hindering screening efforts, ranging from the invasive nature of colonoscopies to financial barriers stemming from limited insurance coverage.
Fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), like ColoTest, offer a promising avenue by detecting hidden blood in your stool. They are offered over-the-counter at your local pharmacies and can be a crucial initial step. Accessible without a prescription and affordable, these tests can be conveniently administered in the privacy of one’s home, with some test results able to be read at home within minutes.
By championing more convenient and discreet screening options, pharmacists can facilitate widespread early detection and potentially reverse the ominous trajectory of colon cancer nationwide. Let’s embrace this opportunity and harness our expertise to effect positive change in the fight against this formidable disease.
Drew Massey is the director of pharmacy at Fruth Pharmacy.
