Cancer screenings, immunizations, and annual well visits help Americans stay healthy, avoid or delay the onset of disease, and lower healthcare costs. Yet, financial barriers and time constraints often prevent people from accessing essential, high-quality preventative care. This is particularly troublesome, with rates of early-onset cancer, particularly colorectal cancer, rising sharply in young people.
Today, the rise of at-home diagnostic testing is empowering individuals to take charge of their own health. Easy-to-use kits can be bought over the counter without a prescription to monitor for everything from hormone levels to chronic conditions like diabetes. Non-invasive FIT tests, such as Reese Colotest, stand to make a significant impact in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening by providing an affordable, easily accessible screening option.
What Are FIT Tests?
For years, the gold standard in screening for colon cancer has been a colonoscopy. But, the invasive procedure involves days of special diet and prep work. Combine that with being put under ~, and it’s easy to understand why it’s something people aren’t particularly rushing to get. There are also access barriers – colonoscopies can cost thousands of dollars if you don’t have insurance coverage.
At-home FIT tests offer a simple, non-invasive alternative for individuals who may be hesitant or unwilling to get a colonoscopy. By detecting hidden blood in the stool, an early warning sign of CRC, FIT tests offer an effective way to screen for the disease. With just one stool sample, no special preparation or dietary restrictions, and no need for a lab visit, these at-home tests make it easier and more convenient for people to engage in CRC screening, ensuring more individuals can take proactive steps toward early detection.
The Rising Need for Screening
CRC has become the leading cause of cancer-related fatalities among men under 50 and the second leading cause for women in the same age group, highlighting the need for early screening. The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) stands at approximately 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. Having a family medical history of CRC can increase that risk even further, especially if you have multiple relatives who have been diagnosed or relatives who were under 50 when they were diagnosed. Our recent survey showed a shocking 80% of Americans are uncertain about whether they have a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer. It’s crucial that people should take steps to learn about their family medical history and talk to their healthcare provider to make informed decisions about screening.
Evaluating Screening Options
Despite its proven effectiveness and growing availability, FIT testing is still underutilized. A significant barrier to its adoption is the lack of awareness of this screening option. Additionally, alternative options such as DNA and blood tests, while promising, can contribute to consumer confusion.
Given the alarming statistics, rising prevalence of colorectal cancer, and lack of knowledge surrounding family history, it is evident that enhancing education about the various CRC testing options is essential for boosting screening rates across the U.S.
When evaluating at-home FIT tests, several factors can determine the quality and effectiveness of one test compared to another. Sensitivity and specificity are critical; a more sensitive test will accurately detect hidden blood in the stool, reducing the risk of false negatives. Ease of use is also a significant consideration —tests that require minimal preparation, provide clear instructions, and include user-friendly collection methods can improve the patient experience.
Finally, the overall cost and accessibility of the test, including availability in pharmacies or online, can influence one test’s attractiveness compared to others. This month, in addition to Walmart, Amazon, and other retail pharmacies, ColoTest rolled out nationwide to more than 7,000 CVS Pharmacy stores and is now available on CVS.com. We believe this new level of accessibility will go a long way in helping to increase screening rates. What’s more, ColoTest is available via CVS for less than $20, helping make early detection more convenient and affordable than ever before.
Saving Lives: One Test at a Time
Researchers found that people who had FIT testing done every year had a 33% lower chance of dying from colorectal cancer and a 42% lower risk of getting left colon and rectum cancers. Additionally, FIT tests can be initiated at a younger age and repeated annually, providing earlier detection opportunities, especially for individuals with higher risk.
By promoting tools like at-home FIT tests, we can enable individuals to take proactive steps in safeguarding their health and reducing the overall burden of colorectal cancer. People everywhere are now empowered to take control of their colon health and get screened for CRC, no matter where they live, how old they are, or what their family history is.
As at-home testing technologies continue to advance and gain acceptance, they will play a crucial role in reshaping the future of colorectal cancer prevention. By making screenings easier and more accessible, we can significantly increase participation rates, ultimately leading to earlier detection, improved outcomes, and reduced CRC-related mortality.
About Casey Reese
Casey Reese is Vice President of Business Development at Reese Pharmaceuticals, a leading private-label manufacturer of over-the-counter (OTC) consumer health products. The company also produces a variety of branded items, such as the Reese Colotest, a noninvasive at-home test designed to help screen for colorectal cancer.