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University of Colorado Cancer Center

University of Colorado Cancer Center, A National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
Get Screened | Colorado Colorectal Screening Program
 

Get Screened

Colorado Colorectal Screening Program

The Program is offering endoscopic screening in both rural and urban areas. 

The Program is also partnering with interested clinics to incorporate a comprehensive approach to colorectal cancer screening, including the use of high sensitivity fecal occult blood testing every year (high sensitivity guaiac-based - FOBT or fecal immunochemical test - FIT). A FOBT is a test that patients can do at home on a yearly basis. It screens for colorectal cancer by detecting blood in the stool.

The Program provides funding for colorectal screenings for Coloradans that meet the below eligibility requirements and is coordinated by staff at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

Find out if you are eligible to participate in the program and learn the facts about colorectal cancer screening below. Call 1-866-227-7914 to see if you are eligible and to find participating clinics.

 

Call 1-866-227-7914 to find out if you are eligible for a no cost screening 

Program Eligibility:  

  • Age 50 or older (at average risk) or under 50 at increased risk for colorectal cancer (those having a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps)
  • Uninsured, or have insurance that does not cover ANY cost for endoscopic colorectal screening
  • Household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level
  • Lawfully present in Colorado
  • Patient in a partnering clinic
  • Eligible for a colorectal screening according to American Cancer Society clinical guidelines (see “Screening Guidelines”)
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    Colorectal Cancer Screening is important! Most people with early stages of colorectal cancer have no noticeable symptoms. Screening can find colorectal cancer early or before colorectal cancer even develops! Pre-cancerous polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy before they turn into cancer.

    Check out the American Cancer Society’s Top 5 Myths of Colon Cancer:

  • Myths about Colorectal Cancer
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    American Cancer Society recommendations for colorectal cancer screening:

    The American Cancer Society believes that preventing colorectal cancer (and not just finding it early) should be a major reason for getting tested. Finding and removing polyps keeps some people from getting colorectal cancer. Tests that have the best chance of finding both polyps and cancer are preferred if these tests are available to you and you are willing to have them.

    Beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should use one of the screening tests below:

    Tests that find polyps and cancer

  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years*
  • Colonoscopy every 10 years
  • Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years*
  • CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years*

    • Tests that mainly find cancer

  • Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year*
  • Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year*
  • Stool DNA test (sDNA), interval uncertain*
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    *Colonoscopy should be done if test results are positive

    People at increased or high risk

    If you are at an increased or high risk of colorectal cancer, you should begin colorectal cancer screening before age 50 and/or be screened more often. The following conditions make your risk higher than average:

  • A personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
  • A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)
  • A strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps (see "Risk factors for colorectal cancer")
  • A known family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC)
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    Retrieved from www.cancer.org  

    American Cancer Society    User-friendly site providing detailed information about colorectal cancer screening, prevention, facts, treatment, and survivorship. 

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  More detailed site providing statistics about colorectal cancer screening and National programs. Some articles easy to read.

    National Cancer Institute  More detailed site providing information about colorectal cancer treatment, clinical trials, and research. Provides both easy and difficult articles. More difficult to navigate.