Colorectal Cancer Campaign: A Test For Life

colorectal-test-campaignFrequently Asked Questions About Colorectal Cancer Screening

  1. What is the purpose of the colorectal screening? The purpose is to detect occult blood (blood not visible to the naked eye), which indicates bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Such bleeding could be a symptom of colorectal cancer.
  2. Who should take the test? The risk of developing colorectal cancer begins to increase after the age of 40 and rises sharply over the age of 50. All persons should take the test even if you do not have a history of colorectal cancer, a previous history of colon cancer, or any other malignancy. All persons in high-risk categories for colorectal cancer should make an appointment with their physician for further screenings. These include:
    • Those who have had colorectal cancer
    • Women who have had breast cancer or reproductive tract cancer
    • Those who have had benign intestinal polyps
    • Those with a parent, sister or brother who have had colorectal
    cancer.
    NOTE: Persons with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease are at an increased
    risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, different screening methods should be used.
  3. How does the screening program work? The program is based on a simple, take-home test called EZ DETECT, manufactured by BIOMERICA and distributed through fred’s Pharmacy.
  4. Is the test difficult or painful? No. This test is user friendly and requires no stool collection. It includes simple directions for preparing your Test Results Card.
  5. Should I take the test even if I have no symptoms? Yes. Most cancers and polyps do not cause pain or other symptoms at the onset, but can be detected at an early stage by minute quantities of blood in the stool.
  6. How will I know if my test is positive? You are responsible for interpreting your test result. Any trace of blue-green color visible on any of the three tests indicates that blood may be present in your stool (a positive test result), meaning that there is a possible condition requiring your physician’s attention. If you have a positive test result, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician for follow-up care. You should be seen within four to six weeks after the test. Your physician may want to run additional tests.
  7. If my test is positive, does it mean I have cancer? A positive EZ DETECT test means that there may be bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Benign conditions such as polyps, hemorrhoids or rectal fissures can cause bleeding that would cause a positive result. Most studies suggest that only 5 to 10 percent of those with positive tests will be diagnosed as having cancer. However, it is imperative that anyone with a positive test result sees a physician as soon as possible to determine the cause of bleeding. TAKE THE TEST CARD TO YOUR PHYSICIAN. PLEASE DO NOT MAIL TO BIOAMERICA.
  8. If my test is negative, does it mean I don’t have cancer? Not necessarily. A negative test means that there was no blood detected at this time. Blood in the stool may occur intermittently or not at all.
  9.  If my test is positive, how should I follow up? If you have a positive test result, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician for follow-up care. You should be seen within four to six weeks after the test. Your physician may want to run additional tests.
  10. What are the chances of survival for someone with colorectal cancer? According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent for people whose colon cancer is found and treated at an early stage, before it has spread. That’s why taking this test is so important.
  11. When does the screening end? EZ DETECT kits will be available for free at fred’s Pharmacy while supplies last, or until March 31, 2014.

fred’s Pharmacy Locations:

Aberdeen
107 N Meridian St • 662-369-0060
Ackerman
318 N Alford • 662-285-6039
Amory
905 Hwy 278 E • 662-256-8483
Baldwyn
441 N 4th St • 662-365-8877
Booneville
504 N 2nd St • 662-728-3107
Bruce
403 W Calhoun St • 662-983-2712
Calhoun City
599 W Veterans Blvd • 662-628-5811
Eupora
1960 Veteran’s Memorial • 662-258-6800
Fulton
1409 Adams St • 662-862-3361
Hamilton
40474 Hwy 45 S • 662-343-5462
Houston
905 N Pontotoc • 662-448-6011
Iuka
615 Battleground Dr • 662-423-3676
Louisville
502 S Church • 662-773-8021
Macon
59 Frontage Rd • 662-726-5151
Mantachie
67 Watson Dr • 662-282-4245
Nettleton
7122 Will Robbins Hwy • 662-963-0162
New Albany
126 W Main St • 662-534-4731
Okolona
511 W Monroe Ave • 662-447-5400
Pontotoc
170 Hwy 15 N • 662-489-4721
Saltillo
111 Willow Brook Dr • 662-869-8600
Starkville
605 S Jackson St • 662-323-8133
Tupelo
809 Varsity Dr • 662-841-1983
Tupelo
1776 McCullough Blvd • 662-620-9606
Tupelo
1317 E Main St • 662-680-4959
Vardaman
101 W Sweet Potato Ave • 662-682-7489
Vernon, AL
9574 Hwy 18 • 205-695-1195
Water Valley
409 Duncan St • 662-473-3333
Winona
603 Middleton Rd • 662-283-1393

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