March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the US. The best thing you can do to prevent it is to get screened.
Advantage MD works to make it as easy as possible for you to stay up-to-date with your screenings at no cost to you. While many people have put off in-person care during the pandemic, you may be able to complete a colorectal cancer screening kit on your own at home.
Members are eligible for four types of colorectal cancer screenings:
- LetsGetChecked Kit
Advantage MD mails these at-home test kits to certain eligible members. These kits will come from LetsGetChecked, one of our trusted partners in caring for your health. If you receive a LetsGetChecked kit, please use the kit and return it through the mail. - Cologuard
This type of non-invasive screening detects altered DNA and blood in the stool, which could be signs of colon cancer. You can collect your own sample at home and return it through the mail. - Colonoscopy
During this in-person procedure, your health care provider can find and immediately remove any polyps of cancer in your colon. You would take special steps to prepare, and you would be sedated during the colonoscopy. - Colonography
Also called a virtual colonoscopy, this 10-15 minute procedure takes a detailed picture of your colon using X-rays that your radiologist will examine for signs of cancer. You would go to an imaging center for this screening.
The right screening for you depends on your colorectal cancer risk factors, family history, other health needs, and preferences. Your provider may have different recommendations for when to start screenings and what option is best for you. Each of these screenings requires a prescription, so be sure to bring this up next time you speak with your provider.