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Tummy Troubles: Could it be IBS, Colon Cancer or Something Else?

Tummy Troubles: Could it be IBS, Colon Cancer or Something Else?

Fast Facts

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) share many of the same symptoms and can be confused for each other.
  • After CRC and IBD are ruled out using lab tests or colonoscopy, IBS can be diagnosed if symptoms come and go for at least 6 months.
  • IBS does not increase a person’s risk of colorectal cancer but IBD such as Crhohn’s or ulcerative colitis does increase the risk of CRC. It’s important to find out what’s causing your stomach problems so you know if you’re at increased risk of developing CRC.

Everyone has experienced gut troubles like abdominal pain, bloating and bowel changes at least once in their life. The problem usually goes away in a day or two. But what if the symptoms stick around for days on end? Or weeks? How do you know if what’s going on inside your belly is something  you need to check into? Many things can cause tummy troubles, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC).The symptoms of IBS, IBD and CRC overlap. A lot!  Let’s take a look at each of these conditions and how to tell them apart.

Symptoms of IBS

There’s no test for IBS. Doctors can’t look at the gut with an X-ray or colonoscopy and tell if it’s IBS causing your discomfort.The symptoms of IBS can overlap with many other conditions including IBD, an ovarian cyst, food poisoning, a simple stomach bug and even colon cancer.  But, time is the critical factor in diagnosing IBS. IBS is diagnosed when a person has the following symptoms on and off for at least six months:

  • +/-Constipation
  • +/-Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Mucus in your stool
  • Feeling like you haven’t finished a bowel movement
  • Symptoms improve after a bowel movement

Doctors will need to rule out more serious diseases like cancer and IBD before diagnosing IBS. It’s important to remember that although IBS can impact quality of life, it doesn’t carry an increased risk of developing colon or rectal cancer.

Symptoms of IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease is a medical term for chronic inflammation of the bowel. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the main types of IBD. Doctors aren’t sure what causes IBD to start with, but there seems to be a genetic component and also an immune component. IBD tends to be a lifelong condition once it’s diagnosed.

The symptoms of IBD are similar to IBS. In addition, people with IBD may also experience:

  • Anemia
  • Bloody stools
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss

Unlike IBS, doctors can diagnose IBD some of these tools:

  • Endoscopy for Crohn’s disease
  • Colonoscopy for UC
  • Radiology studies like CT or MRI
  • Stool sample
  • Blood tests

IBD can have a serious impact on a person’s quality of life. And because of the chronic inflammation, it increases a person’s risk of developing colon or rectal cancer. As a matter of fact, IBD is one of the risk factors for CRC.

Take the Colon Cancer Risk Assessment

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Symptoms of CRC

The most common symptom of CRC is no symptom at all. But when symptoms are present, they can be similar to IBS and IBD, including:

  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Vomiting
  • Tiredness
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Blood in the stool

And recently, skinny stools have been recognized as an indication of potential colon cancer. If you notice that you have very narrow bowel movements for a week or more, talk to your doctor right away.

Why is it important to know if it is IBS, IBD, or colon cancer?

The most obvious reason that it’s important to know what’s causing your abdominal discomfort is that CRC is curable when caught early. Without proper treatment, colon and rectal cancers are almost always fatal. The proper treatment can also make IBS and IBD more tolerable and significantly improve a person’s quality of life. The treatment for each of these is different, so it’s important to recognize which condition you’re dealing with. Early and appropriate treatment can make a huge difference in the outcome.

The Bottom Line

There are myriad reasons to have stomach problems in the modern world. While some of them go away on their own, more serious issues persist and even get worse with time. The good news is that when even serious medical problems, like colon cancer, are caught early, they can be treated and oftentimes cured. By running some tests or doing a procedure, your doctor can help determine if your tummy troubles are due to colon cancer or something less worrisome. The only way to know for sure is to get checked out. Check it for the ones you love. CheckIt4Andretti.

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By admin@checkit4, ago

FDA Approves Blood Test for Colon and Rectal Cancer

FDA Approves Blood Test for Colon and Rectal Cancer

Fast Facts

  • The Shield test by Guardant Health is a new blood test for colon and rectal cancers (colorectal cancer) which detects cancer DNA (cfDNA) circulating in the blood.
  • Shield is very sensitive for detecting Stage II, III, IV colorectal cancers, but very limited for polyps and Stage I cancers. It needs to be repeated every 3 years.
  • Shield isn’t for everyone. It’s not recommended as a screening test for anyone who has a family history of colorectal cancer, a family or personal history of certain genetic disorders, a personal history of adenomas or other positive screening test.
  • Colonoscopy is still the gold standard for screening for colon and rectal cancer. The best screening test is the one that you’ll actually do and stay up to date with.

    A few months ago, CheckIt4Andretti reported on an exciting new blood test for colon and rectal cancers (CRC). The test wasn’t FDA-approved at that time, but recently it jumped the last hurdle and now Shield by Guardant Health has been recognized as a valid test option. Many people don’t follow through with other CRC screening tests like colonoscopy, FIT or radiographic tests because they seem complicated or kind of gross. New blood screening tests are quick and easy. And now that they have FDA approval, they can be covered by Medicare and insurance. Let’s take a look at the advantages and drawbacks to ctDNA blood testing as a screening test for CRC.

    cfDNA tests explained

    All cells use DNA as an instruction manual for making the proteins that control metabolism, growth and cell division. Cancer cells use the same kind of DNA as healthy cells. But changes in DNA (mutations) allow cancer cells to grow at a much faster rate than normal, break free of neighboring cells and spread to parts of the body where they don’t belong. When the fast-growing cancer cells die, they break open and spill their DNA into the bloodstream. Doctors can check the blood for cancer DNA using special tests that look for mutations.

    cfDNA testing is also called a liquid biopsy because it uses blood (a liquid) instead of the traditional solid tumor biopsy. It is much easier and less expensive to draw a vial of blood than to do a tumor biopsy. A phlebotomist can draw blood with tests in a lab, whereas a trained professional like a surgeon is needed for a solid tumor biopsy.

    You might see terms like cfDNA (cell-free DNA) or ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA) along with liquid biopsy. The terms aren’t exactly the same, but they’re all ways of describing a way of looking for small fragments of DNA circulating in the blood. cfDNA can come from normal cells or cancer cells. ctDNA comes only from tumor cells. There are circulating DNA tests for many different kinds of cancers, prenatal tests and inherited diseases.

    Is a liquid biopsy better than the other tests?

    Yes and no. 

    Yes, because Guardant Health reports a 90% follow-through rate for their liquid biopsy. All other screening tests have about a 50% follow-through rate. More than 1 in 3 Americans are behind on recommended screening for CRC. If you’re more likely to follow through with a test, then it’s better than the one you won’t follow through with.

    No, because liquid biopsy doesn’t pick up polyps or Stage I cancer very well. That’s because there’s not a lot of cancer DNA in the blood early on. And cfDNA testing isn’t for everyone. Among the people who cfDNA tests aren’t indicated include:

    • People who’ve recently had a different abnormal screening test, like stool tests or radiology tests 
    •  Those with a family history of colon cancer
    • Individuals with risk factors like IBD, Lynch Syndrome or Familial Andenomatous Polyposis
    • People who have a history of colon cancer, adenomas or related cancer

    If you have a positive cfDNA test, you will need to follow-up with a colonoscopy. That’s because cfDNA tests like Shield only tell you IF you have cancer. It doesn’t tell you what stage or how aggressive the cancer is. Only a colonoscopy with a biopsy can give you the full picture.

    Colonoscopy is still the gold standard for CRC screening. But if you’re one of the 50% who’s unlikely to get a colonoscopy or do a stool-based test, then a blood test is a great option.

    Take the Colon Cancer Risk Assessment

    Learn your Risk

    How good is the cfDNA test?

    The data for Shield is very good, but not as good as a colonoscopy. The later the stage, the more likely you’ll get a positive test. Shield’s sensitivity for each stage are as follows:

    Sensitivity measures how likely a test is to detect an illness if that illness is present.

    The Shield test is 90% specific. That means that 1 in 10 people who do not have CRC will test positive. A positive screening test is always a reason for a colonoscopy.

    The Bottom Line

    Colorectal cancer has become the second deadliest cancer for men and women. Screening can detect CRC early when it’s most curable. Right now, only about 50% of people follow through with getting their screening test done. New liquid biopsies like Guardant Health’s Shield test are quick, convenient and affordable. They have a higher follow-through rate, meaning more people are likely to get the test done. The test isn’t for everyone, so talk to your doctor. If you’re reluctant to get a stool based test or colonoscopy, a simple blood test may be the answer you’ve been looking for. Remember, a lot of people are counting on you, so get checked out. Check it for the people who love you. CheckIt4Andretti.

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    By admin@checkit4, ago

    Breaking Down Colon Cancer Statistics: Catch it early to keep the odds in your favor

    Breaking Down Colon Cancer Statistics: Catch it early to keep the odds in your favor

    Fast Facts

    • Colorectal cancer( CRC) is the second deadliest cancer in men and women in the US.
    • 1 in 24 people will be diagnosed with CRC at some point in their life. And over 50,000 Americans will die of CRC this year.
    • The earlier you catch colon cancer, the more likely you are to survive. People with localized cancer at diagnosis have a greater than 90% chance of being alive 5 years after diagnosis. 

    The team here at CheckIt4Andretti are working hard to raise awareness about the benefits of screening for colon cancer. We’re spreading the word that colorectal cancer (CRC) is preventable and that it’s curable when caught early. You can’t change your genetics, but modifying lifestyle choices may reduce your risk. Let’s take a look at your chances of getting colon cancer and how you can keep the odds in your favor.

    1 in 24

    One in 24 people in the US will develop colon or rectal cancer (CRC) at some point in their life. The risk is slightly higher for men (1 in 23) than women (1in 24). That means that if you have 25 friends, family members or co-workers, your life will most likely be touched by CRC. That number has been slowly decreasing since doctors started routine screening. 1 in 24 also means that there will be about 153,000 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed this year. 

    Increasing almost 2% a year

    Even though the overall rate of CRC is going down, there’s one group where it’s going up. Young people under 45 years old are experiencing a 1-2% increase in the rate of colon cancer every year! In 1995, people under 55  accounted for about 10% of newly diagnosed cases of CRC. By 2019, they made up 20% of new diagnoses. 

    Doctors think there are many reasons for the increasing rates in young people. The reasons young people may be developing CRC more often include:

    • Recommended screening doesn’t start until age 45 
    • The lack of symptoms until CRC has developed
    • Increasing rates of overweight and obesity
    • Highly processed foods in the Western diet
    • Sedentary lifestyle
    • High sugar intake
    • Alcohol and tobacco use

    Dr. Xavier Llor, a gastroenterologist at Yale Medicine, recommends focusing on the factors young people can change in order to reduce their risk, including:

    • Don’t smoke and minimize alcohol use
    • Exercise, even a short walk, each day
    • Lose weight: small changes can have a big impact
    • Eat more whole foods and vegetables. Eat less processed, sugary foods and red meat
    • Listen to your body. If something doesn’t seem right, get it checked out

    Take the Colon Cancer Risk Assessment

    Learn your Risk

    2nd Deadliest Cancer

    CRC cancer has become the second biggest cancer killer among Americans; lung cancer ranks deadliest among men and women combined. That means that over 53,000 people are expected to die from CRC in the US this year! Second place is a heartbreaking statistic when you consider that CRC is largely preventable or curable when caught early.

    Greater than 90%

    The American Joint Committee on Cancer reports that if CRC is diagnosed before it spreads to lymph nodes or outside the colon, more than 90% of people will be alive 5 years after diagnosis. The 5 year survival drops quickly depending on how far the cancer has spread. 5 year survival rates based on stage are as follows:

    Catching CRC at Stage 0 or 1 also means a much easier treatment regimen. A simple polypectomy (removal of a polyp) or surgical resection is usually the treatment of choice for very early colorectal cancers. More advanced stages (2-4) require more extensive surgery. Depending on its size, organs affected and aggressiveness of the cancer, other treatments may be needed. Chemotherapy, radiation or immunotherapy may be used to help improve your chances of a good outcome.

    Zero

    The risk of getting CRC is never zero. You can’t control every risk factor. Even if you exercise every day, never drink or smoke and only eat organic whole food, you’re still at risk for getting CRC. Once you’re born, the dice have been thrown. You can’t go back and change the characteristics that are carried in your family’s past. And you can’t control all the chemicals in the environment around you. Some of the factors that increase your risk of CRC, but you can’t control include:

    • Family history of CRC
    • Genetic syndromes 
    • Environmental exposure
    • Ethnicity
    • Gender at birth
    • Age

    The Bottom Line

    Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and women. When caught early it can be cured. You can’t reduce your risk of getting CRC to zero, but you can improve your odds by modifying some lifestyle choices, losing weight and getting screened. People are counting on you to be there for them tomorrow and years from now. Don’t gamble with your life. Get checked out. Check it for the people you love. CheckIt4Andretti.

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    By admin@checkit4, ago

    Colonoscopy Screening: What to Expect Before, During and After the Procedure

    Fast Facts:

    • Everyone should start routine screening for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45, and younger if you have risk factors for colon cancer.
    • Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard screening test for detecting colon cancer. Colonoscopy allows your doctor to biopsy any abnormalities they see and to remove worrisome polyps.
    • You have a choice of how to prepare for your colonoscopy. An expert team will take care of you during and after the procedure.

    There are multiple tests to screen for colon and rectal cancer. Some simple tests check for cancer markers or blood in the stool (stool-based tests). More high-tech tests involve doing a CT scan. And recently, a new blood test (a ctDNA or liquid biopsy test) has been developed. 

    But the gold-standard test for detecting colorectal cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage is a colonoscopy. Let’s take a look at what you can expect before, during and after you have this potentially life-saving procedure.

    What can I expect before having a colonoscopy?

    Having a clean bowel will give your doctor the best chance of seeing the smallest changes in your colon lining. The smaller a cancer is when it’s detected, the better chance you have of beating it. Of course, your colon isn’t normally nice and clean inside.

    Your big assignment before arriving to have your colonoscopy will be a thorough bowel prep. Your doctor will give you instructions to start a special diet a few days before your procedure. Here’s what our partners at NorthEast Digestive Health say to do before your colonoscopy:

    2-3 Days before the procedure:

    You’ll start the process of cleaning out your colon by eating food that’s easy to digest. This is called a low residue diet.

    • Eat a low-fiber diet. Avoid foods like nuts, seeds, and raw vegetables. You may be required to stop consuming solid foods a day or two before the procedure.
    • Make sure to stay hydrated, drinking plenty of fluids.
    • Take all medications as prescribed.
    • You can eat any type of meat, pasta, rice, and cooked fruits and vegetables (without skins/peels) during these 3 days.
    • No alcohol. It can cause dehydration.

    1 Day before the procedure:

    Usually you’ll start your bowel prep the day before the colonoscopy. Sometimes your doctor might ask you to start earlier. This is usually the part most people dread. But you can work with your doctor to find a bowel prep that you can tolerate based on how it tastes, how much you have to drink and how long it takes. 

    • The morning before your procedure, have a light breakfast.
    • After breakfast, begin a “clear liquid diet.” This means broth, jello, clear sodas, water, popsicles, Italian ice, juice, gatorade and coffee or tea without creamer. 
    • Keep in mind that none of your clear liquids should be colored red, purple or blue.
    • No dairy is allowed the day before your procedure.
    • Make sure you stay hydrated, drinking plenty of clear liquids.
    • Make sure you finish all of your prep medicines and liquid as instructed.

    Your doctor will instruct you on what time to start your bowel prep medications and give specific directions for the prep you’ll be doing. The goal is to have clear liquid stools when you complete the bowel prep.

    The morning of the procedure:

    You might be a little nervous on the morning of your colonoscopy. But the hard part is really over! Your doctor and nurses do this procedure every day and they’ll take good care of you. This is what to expect the morning of the procedure, 

    • Your doctor will tell you if you should take your normal medications.
    • You can usually drink small amounts of clear liquids up until 2 hours before your procedure.
    • Someone needs to drive you to your procedure and back home, since you’ll be groggy for a while afterwards.
    • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

    Most facilities will check that you have a driver and ask that they stay until the procedure is finished.

    What happens during the colonoscopy?

    You won’t remember much about the time surrounding your colonoscopy. But this is how the procedure goes:

    • A nurse will check you in and verify who you are and what you’re having done.
    • An anesthesia provider or nurse will start an IV and fluids. 
    • They’ll also attach monitors to make sure your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing are all normal.
    • You’ll be asked to breath through a mask as you receive a sedative and drift off to sleep.
    • Your doctor will use a special camera and light on a long tube to look inside your rectum and colon. The tube also holds surgical instruments that can be used to cut and scrape, if needed.
    • If the doctor sees any areas of concern, they will take biopsies (cut off tiny pieces of colon lining). If they see a polyp (a large finger-like projection from the colon wall), they may decide to remove it.
    • When the doctor has looked at the entire colon, they will remove the tube. Any tissue they removed will be sent to a pathologist to check for cancer.
    • The anesthesia provider will wake you up after the procedure. 
    • After you’re awake and talking, you’ll be allowed to drink some clear liquids.
    • When you’re cleared by the anesthesia provider and your GI doctor, you’ll be discharged from the facility to go home.

    What can I expect after I’m discharged?

    You’ll start to feel like your old self pretty quickly. Most people are back to normal within a few hours. Here’s what to expect after the procedure:

    • You can begin to eat normally as soon as you feel up to it. Start off with small bites and see how you tolerate the food.
    • You probably won’t feel any pain after a colonoscopy. You might have some nausea, bloating or gas. You might also have a small amount of bleeding from your rectum.
    • Remember to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids.
    • Avoid alcohol and heavy lifting for a day or two.
    • If you feel bloated or gassy, try taking a walk to help get your bowels moving normally.
    • You should feel back to normal within a few hours and can return to normal activities the next day. 
    • Your doctor should call you within about a week to share your biopsy results. If you haven’t heard from them, call their office and ask for the results.

    When should I call my doctor after a colonoscopy?

    Most people have no complications after colonoscopy. But there are a few things to look out for, including:

    • Bleeding: A small amount of blood in your first bowel movement is normal. If there’s significant blood or if it continues after the first day, you should alert your doctor.
    • Abdominal pain: Bloating and gas are normal, but severe pain or pain that lasts more than a couple of days is not. 
    • Fever: You should not run a fever after a colonoscopy. If you have a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees, let your doctor know.
    • If you haven’t heard from your doctor’s office within a week, give them a call to get your pathology report. 

    Most people need to get a repeat colonoscopy in 10 years. But some people will need one sooner. Make sure you find out when you need to get your next screening.

    Bottom Line:

    Colonoscopy is the gold-standard for colorectal cancer screening. It takes several days to prepare for, undergo and recover from the colonoscopy procedure. There are several bowel prep options available to you and your doctor. Colonoscopy is a safe, routine and effective screening tool that has been proven to save lives. Recovery is usually quick, easy and uncomplicated. It’s a great way to get checked for colon cancer. Check it for your loved ones. CheckIt4Andretti.

    Here’s how you can help us wipe out colon cancer:

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    Take the Colon Cancer Risk Assessment

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    By admin@checkit4, ago

    Colon Cancer is Going Undetected in Young People

    Fast Facts:

    • The number of people under the age of 45 diagnosed with colorectal cancer is going up more than 1% every year. A person under 45 is twice as likely to get colon cancer as a person over 70.
    • Colon cancer is now the #1 cause of cancer death in men under the age of 50, and the #2 cause of cancer death in women in that age group. Young people and their doctors often ignore the subtle warning signs of colorectal cancer.
    • Screening tests like FIT test, virtual colonoscopy and colonoscopy detect colon cancer early, while it’s still curable.  
    • Most people under 45 don’t know to ask for a screening test unless they’re aware of their family history and know the worrisome signs of colorectal cancer.

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    You might not realize it right now, but your life will most likely be touched by colorectal cancer. Colon cancer statistics are alarming- and they’re only getting worse, especially for younger people. The American Cancer Society states that about 1 in 25 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer in their lifetime. That rate is going down in people over 45 because of awareness and screening. Sadly, the rate is going up in younger people. And colon cancer is more deadly in people under 45. Let’s take a look at what’s happening.

    Why is colorectal cancer more deadly in younger people?

    We usually think of “older people” as being more frail or less healthy than “young people.” It seems logical they’d have a harder time fighting off colorectal cancer. But the truth of the matter is that younger people, under 45 years old, have an increased risk of getting colon cancer than people over 70. Each year these statistics have gotten better for older adults and worse for younger people. Why?

    There are several reasons why the number of diagnoses and the mortality rate (the number of people who die) has gone down in people over 45. Some of the reasons doctors cite include:

    • Routine screening tests starting at age 45 catches cancer early so that it’s more curable.
    • Routine screening tests starting at age 45 find polyps so that they can be removed. They don’t have a chance to turn into cancer.
    • Chemotherapy is better now than 20 years ago. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy can be used in combination to target different types of colorectal cancer.

    There are probably other factors at play. All cancers are a result of complex interactions between a person’s genetics, food and environment.

    Why are so many young people getting colon cancer?

    Doctors aren’t really sure why more young people are getting all types of colorectal cancer. Some of the factors that increase the risk include:

    • Eating a diet high in processed foods and processed red meats 
    • Increased rates of obesity 
    • Not getting enough exercise  
    • Tobacco use
    • Alcohol use 
    • Environmental exposure to chemicals
    • Unhealthy Gut bacteria

    Another thing to take into account is that people under 45 aren’t advised to get routine screening tests. Unless a young person is aware of the warning signs of colon cancer, and their family history, they won’t be aware of their own risk of colon cancer. That means they won’t know when to talk to their doctor. Remember, screening is one of the major reasons colon cancer rates are dropping in people over 50.

    So what are the signs of colorectal cancer in young people?

    Signs of colorectal cancer in young people are vague and easily ignored. Oftentimes, if a 30-something tells their doctor of nondescript abdominal symptoms, they’re diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome or a similar GI complaint. Most of the time, it’s not cancer. But the risk of being misdiagnosed can be devastating.

    Signs of colon cancer in people under 45 include:

    • Abdominal pain
    • Blood in stools
    • Diarrhea
    • Iron deficiency anemia
    • Unexplained weight loss
    • Feeling bloated all the time

    If you have any of these symptoms, and they don’t get better on their own or with treatment, you should talk to your doctor and insist on a colonoscopy. 

    Another tell-tale symptom of colon cancer is having narrow stools. Pencil thin bowel movements, especially if you have any of the other symptoms of colon cancer, can be a red flag. You should talk to your doctor immediately if you notice this symptom.

    The Bottom Line

    Colon cancer is a preventable and treatable disease. It’s being caught at an earlier stage in people over 45 because of improving screening programs. But the rate is increasing in young people. And the stage they’re being diagnosed is more advanced than in older adults. Young people need to be aware of the signs of colorectal cancer. They need to be aware of their own family and genetic history, too. And they need to talk to their doctor if they think they need to be checked out. Check it for yourself. Check it for your family. CheckIt4Andretti.

    Want to help us wipe out colon cancer?

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    By admin@checkit4, ago

    Colon Cancer Screening May Be Easier Than You Think!

    Fast Facts:

    • Colon cancer screening has been proven to save lives. But many people don’t get screened because they think the tests are unpleasant, inconvenient or embarrassing.
    • Current guidelines say that everyone over the age of 45 should be screened for colon cancer. And at a younger age if you have risk factors like a family history or certain genetic syndromes.
    • A new blood test called ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA) shows promise for being an accurate and convenient screening test that can be added onto routine blood tests.
    • ctDNA can also be used to help decide whether chemotherapy is needed after surgery. It may help prevent unnecessary treatment or catch recurrent cancer earlier.

    If you’ve been reading CheckIt4Andretti’s blog, you already know that colon cancer screening can save lives. You also probably know that gastroenterologists recommend getting screened starting at age 45. Many people mistakenly think that colon cancer screening is too inconvenient, embarrassing or unpleasant, so they just never get around to getting it done. But what if there was a safe, convenient, and accurate blood test that you could get along with your cholesterol test and blood counts? That kind of test could be available very soon. Let’s take a closer look at the ctDNA blood test for colon cancer.

    What is ctDNA?

    ctDNA is circulating tumor DNA. When normal cells or cancer cells die, small bits of their genetic material (DNA) gets loose in the circulatory system (blood stream). So ctDNA is tumor, or cancer, DNA that has gotten into the bloodstream. Because ctDNA is checking for tumor DNA in the blood, it’s sometimes called a “liquid biopsy.” ctDNA

    How does the ctDNA test work?

    Doctors have made a special test to tell the difference between normal DNA and cancer DNA. The test is as simple as having your blood drawn. The blood can be taken at the same time as your other lab tests during a routine doctor’s visit. For example, if you’re getting your blood count, cholesterol and electrolytes checked, the doctor will simply send part of the blood for the ctDNA test. The test looks for a specific pattern of DNA that only happens with colon cancer. If there’s any ctDNA present, a more thorough work-up needs to be done to find where it’s coming from. You should never have any ctDNA in your blood (not even a little!)

    How good is the ctDNA test?

    The ctDNA test for colon cancer is very good. Scientists look at how sensitive a test is. That means that if cancer is present, how likely is the test to pick it up? ctDNA has a 93% sensitivity compared to colonoscopy. Another thing scientists look for in a test is “specificity.” If you test negative (no ctDNA detected), it means you don’t have cancer. The ctDNA test has a 90% specificity. 

    ctDNA only picked up about 23% of precancerous lesions (advanced adenomas). Precancerous polyps can be readily seen by colonoscopy. Overall, ctDNA is as good as other stool-based screening tests. People find it more convenient, accessible and easier to complete than other tests. But colonoscopy is still the gold standard for colon cancer screening.

    Is ctDNA readily available as a screening test?

    Unfortunately, ctDNA is only available in a research setting. The good news is that researchers are working hard to make this test readily available. The ultimate goal is to improve colorectal screening. And since ctDNA is minimally invasive and convenient, it has the potential to make colorectal screening available to people who might otherwise shy away from other tests. 

    Are there other uses for ctDNA?

    Yes! ctDNA can be used to prevent unnecessary treatment. Imagine finding out you have colon or rectal cancer. Your doctor will talk to you about surgery. And chemotherapy. And maybe radiation therapy. 

    Before starting chemotherapy, your doctor might decide to get a ctDNA test. Remember, a negative ctDNA test means that you have no detectable cancer. Based on a negative ctDNA test, you and your doctor might decide to hold off on chemotherapy. You may be able to get ctDNA blood tests every couple of months to make sure the test doesn’t turn positive. You’ve avoided unnecessary treatment!

    And if you’ve had surgery and chemotherapy, ctDNA may be used to monitor for colon cancer recurrence in between colonoscopies. The earlier you catch colon cancer or colon cancer recurrence, the more likely you are to beat it.

    Want to learn more about ctDNA testing?

    If you want to learn more about ctDNA, watch this short video:

    The Bottom Line
    Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the US. Screening tests should be done beginning at age 45. Catching colon cancer early with screening tests has been proven to save lives. But many people don’t get screened because the tests are inconvenient or unpleasant. ctDNA is a promising new test that is accurate, minimally invasive, easily accessible and convenient. ctDNA isn’t widely available yet, but research is ongoing and hopefully it will be very soon. No matter what test you decide to use, get checked for the people you love. CheckIt4Andretti!

    Want to help wipe out colon cancer?
    Donate to CheckIt4Andretti

    Sign up for our newsletter

    Take the Colon Cancer Risk Assessment

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    By admin@checkit4, ago

    How Polymedco and CheckIt4Andretti are expanding access to guideline-recommended screening solutions

    CheckIt4Andretti is proud to collaborate with Polymedco, the producer of OC-Auto FIT and a fellow partner in the mission to expand access to screening. By promoting yearly FIT, Polymedco is working to make screening more effective, accessible, and affordable.

    OC-Auto FIT: PRIMARY RECOMMENDED METHOD FOR ANNUAL SCREENING IN AVERAGE-RISK ADULTS 45-75:1

    Regular screening is important to make sure colon cancer is caught as early as possible.

    Leading health organizations, including the US Preventive Services Task Force, American College of Gastroenterology, and US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, recommend screening with fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) every year.1-3

    Polymedco and CheckIt4Andretti are working together to address the gaps in screening rates by increasing access to guideline-recommended solutions at little or no cost to patients. 

    Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of these effective screening methods that received a primary recommendation by leading experts.

    OC-AUTO FIT

    What is OC-Auto FIT?

    OC-Auto FIT is an at-home, noninvasive screening solution that looks for non-visible blood in the stool.

    • Performed at home
    • Screens every year, just as doctors would for breast or prostate cancer 
    • No preparation (fasting, laxatives, etc.) required

    Why choose OC-Auto FIT?

    OC-Auto FIT is the only FIT backed by proven clinical outcomes.4

    OC-Auto FIT is the #1 automated noninvasive colon cancer screening solution in the world,5 with excellent performance characteristics in both sensitivity and specificity.6 Additionally, OC-Auto makes annual screening easier for its users, with a simple collection process that can be completed from the comfort and privacy of home.

    OC-Auto FIT enables better health outcomes4

    Evidence shows that screening with OC-Auto FIT leads to better outcomes, from increased screening rates to decreased mortality.4

    One study of approximately 4 million health plan members evaluated the effects of regular screening with OC-Auto FIT and found significant impacts to screening rates, cancer rates, and number of deaths due to colon cancer.

    43.8%4

    INCREASE in colon cancer screening rates

    25.5%4

    DECREASE in annual rate of colon cancer

    52.4%4

    DECREASE in number of colon cancer deaths

    OC-Auto FIT makes screening easy and accessible

    By making annual screening as easy as possible, early detection can become a greater reality. That’s why OC-Auto FIT was designed to be patient-friendly, simple-to-use, and available at little or no cost.

    90% of patients who used OC-Auto FIT said it was simple or very easy to use7

    Screening at home: A simple 3-step collection process

    Screening at home with OC-Auto FIT is as easy as 1-2-3!

    Step 1 

    • Take the FIT from the privacy of your home
    • Fill out the label with the date and your information
    • Use the sampling wand to collect a small amount of sample
    • Seal sample container inside envelope

    Step 2

    • Return your sample
    • Use the provided mailing envelope to return your kit through the US Postal Service OR return to your healthcare provider or the lab as instructed

    Step 3

    • Receive results from your provider’s office
    • Your healthcare provider should contact you with your results within a couple of weeks.

    MAKING GUIDELINE-RECOMMENDED SCREENING1-3 A REALITY FOR MORE PATIENTS

    With CheckIt4Andretti’s mission to expand screening access and Polymedco’s commitment to accessible, annual at-home screening with OC-Auto FIT, we are working together to ensure every American has access to effective, affordable screening options.

    Keep Reading:

    Read more about the importance of screening

    Complete your annual FIT screening with OC-Auto

    Learn more about CheckIt4Andretti’s mission.

    References

    1. Rex DK, Boland CR, Dominitz JA, et al Colorectal cancer screening: recommendations for physicians and patients from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on colorectal cancer. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017;112(7):1016-1030. doi:10.1038/ ajg.2017.174​
    2. US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, Barry MJ, et al Screening for colorectal cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.6238
    3. Shaukat A, Kahi CJ, Burke CA, et al ACG clinical guidelines: colorectal cancer screening 2021. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(3):458-479. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001122
    4. Levin T, Corley D, et al Effects of organized colorectal cancer screening on cancer incidence and mortality in a large community-based population. Gastroenterology. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2018.07.017
    5. Data on file with Polymedco, Inc. (1)
    6. Imperiale TF, Ransohoff DF, Itzkowitz SH, et al Multitarget stool DNA testing for colorectal-cancer screening. N Engl J Med. 2014;370(14):1287-297.doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1311194
    7. Data on file with Polymedco, Inc. (2)
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    By admin@checkit4, ago

    CheckIt4Andretti + OC-Auto® FIT: Making colon cancer screening more effective, accessible, and affordable

    CheckIt4Andretti is proud to collaborate with Polymedco, the producer of OC-Auto FIT and a fellow partner in the mission to enhance access to screening. By promoting yearly FIT, Polymedco is working to make screening more effective, accessible, and affordable.

    THE IMPORTANCE OF SCREENING

    What is colon cancer?

    Colon cancer starts as a small growth in the lining of the colon or rectum. Regular screening is important to make sure colon cancer is caught as early as possible.

    Colon cancer facts and figures:

    Colon cancer has the second-highest death rate among cancers overall and is the leading cause of cancer death in men under 5o.1

    • More than 150,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually1,2
    • More than 50,000 people are estimated to lose their lives to colon cancer annually1,2
    • Nearly 20,000 annual colon cancer diagnoses are estimated in people younger than 501

     90% of all colon cancer deaths are preventable if caught early3, but over 4 in 10 adults are not getting screened as recommended.1

    • While rates of colon cancer have been increasing in individuals younger than 55, screening rates remain lowest among people 45-49 years of age.1

    Over 40% of adults are not getting screened per current recommendations.1

    Who should get screened for colon cancer?

    For adults ages 45-75 at average-risk, guidelines from leading professional organizations including the US Preventive Services Task Force, American College of Gastroenterology, and US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer recommend screening with fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) every year. 4-6

    What is FIT?

    FIT is a noninvasive colon cancer screening solution that identifies blood in the stool or bleeding in the digestive tract that may have no other signs or symptoms. 

    OC-Auto FIT, the brand name of the #1 automated noninvasive colon cancer screening solution in the world,7 is an easy option that can be performed from the comfort of your home and offers annual screening as recommended by experts.4-6

    This screening guidance applies to all average-risk adults aged 45-75

    WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM COLON CANCER

    1. Know your risk

    While some people may have more risk factors than others, no one is considered “low-risk” when it comes to colon cancer.

    Many people with early-stage colon cancer have no symptoms,3 and many colon cancers occur in people with no known risk factors or family history.8,9

    • 3 in 4 people with colon cancer have no known risk factors8
    • 2 in 3 people with colon cancer have no family history9
    • 2. Screen with OC-Auto FIT every year 

    Even if you are in generally good health or have no family history, experts suggest all adults 45-75 at average-risk screen annually with OC-Auto FIT4-6 to help find signs of the disease before symptoms appear, allowing patients to get treatment early, and when survival rates are higher.

    OC-Auto FIT:

    • Checks for disease every year
      • Detects non-visible blood in the stool
      • Is noninvasive and performed at home

    By making annual screening a part of your yearly physical visits, earlier detection can become part of your regular care. That’s why OC-Auto was designed to be patient-friendly, simple to use, and available at little or no cost.

    CheckIt4Andretti is proud to join Polymedco in closing the gaps in screening rates by increasing access to guideline-recommended screening solutions.

    With CheckIt4Andretti’s mission to expand colonoscopy access and Polymedco’s commitment to accessible, annual at-home screening, we are working together to ensure every American has access to effective, affordable screening options.

    Read more about the top recommended colon cancer screening options.

    Learn more about CheckIt4Andretti’s mission.

    References

    1. Colorectal cancer facts & figures 2023-2025. American Cancer Society. Accessed January 25, 2023. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures/colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures-2023.pdf
    2. Cancer facts & figures 2024.  American Cancer Society. Accessed February 7, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2024/2024-cancer-facts-and-figures-acs.pdf
    3. Tepus M, Yau TO. Non-invasive colorectal cancer screening: an overview. Gastrointest Tumors. 2020;7(3):62-73. doi:10.1159/000507701
    4. US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, Barry MJ, et al Screening for colorectal cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.6238
    5. Shaukat A, Kahi CJ, Burke CA, et al ACG clinical guidelines: colorectal cancer screening 2021. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(3):458-479. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001122
    6. Rex DK, Boland CR, Dominitz JA, et al Colorectal cancer screening: recommendations for physicians and patients from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on colorectal cancer. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017;112(7):1016-1030. doi:10.1038/ ajg.2017.174​
    7. Data on file with Polymedco, Inc.
    8. Who is at risk for colon cancer? Colon Cancer Coalition. September 22, 2022. Accessed January 12, 2024. https://coloncancercoalition.org/get-educated/what-you-need-to-know/who-is-at-risk/
    9. Colorectal cancer risk factors: hereditary colorectal risk factors. American Cancer Society. Accessed January 12, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
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    By admin@checkit4, ago

    March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month! 

    March has been designated Colon Cancer Awareness Month. March 12 would have been racing legend John Andretti’s 61st birthday. Colon cancer claims the lives of over 50,000 Americans every year. This includes legends like John Andretti, Chadwick Boseman, Charles Schultz, Audrey Hepburn and Kirstie Alley.

    In 2000, President Bill Clinton recognized that colon cancer was a serious threat to the health of Americans. At that time colon cancer was the second most common cancer in the US. President Clinton and his advisors recognized that colon cancer had few symptoms and the best way to catch it was with early detection. In order to promote screening for colon cancer, President Clinton signed a Presidential Proclamation designating March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  

    President Barack Obama re-dedicated a Presidential Proclamation, again designating March as Colorectal Cancer Month in 2016 and 2017. Presidents Clinton and Obama helped raise awareness about colon cancer and early detection. Thanks to their efforts, March is a time organizations around the world focus on one of the biggest, but frequently preventable, killers.

    After John Andretti’s death on January 30, 2020, CheckIt4Andretti Charitable Foundation was born out of the #CheckIt4Andretti screening campaign which started on social media. Since its founding, CheckIt4Andretti foundation has worked with free and charitable clinics to help prevent under-insured Americans from becoming another colon cancer statistic.

    Together with our partners, NE Digestive Health,  Community Care Clinic of Rowan County,  Sebela Pharmaceutical, and Free and Charitable Clinics of NC, CheckIt4Andretti is taking the mission of screening seriously to save lives. By providing free screening FIT tests to the clinics, we are able to detect patients in need of screening colonoscopies. CheckIt4Andretti then works with our partners to provide colonoscopies free of charge to those who can’t afford them.

    CheckIt4Andretti is proud to promote Colon Cancer Awareness Month. If you would like to support us in our efforts here’s how you can help:

    Dress in blue for colon cancer awareness. 

    The blue ribbon has been officially recognized as the symbol to promote visibility of this deadly disease. Wear the ribbon all year. Dress in blue on March 1.

    Donate to CheckIt4Andretti

    Help us screen more people and save more lives! Make a donation in honor of someone you love, someone you may have lost or in honor of John Andretti.

    Take the screening quiz

    Find out if you’re at risk and need to be screened. If you’re over 45 years old, or if you know you’re at increased risk, get a screening done as soon as you can.

    Don’t be embarrassed to talk about colon cancer

    Talk to your family. Talk to your friends. Talk to your doctor. Talking about your colon may seem embarrassing, but you don’t want to die from not being embarrassed. 

    March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, but colon cancer is diagnosed every day of every year. Make sure you’re aware of its symptoms and you get checked out. Check it for the ones you love. #CheckIt4Andretti!

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    By admin@checkit4, ago

    Andretti Indoor Karting and CheckIt4Andretti: Fast Friends in the Fight Against Cancer

    Andretti Indoor Karting and Games (AIKG) is known for family fun entertainment and celebrations. But when CheckIt4Andretti (CI4A) announced their plans to help save lives by offering free colon cancer screening, AIKG raced in to help.

    Eddie Hamman, one of the Managing Partner of AIKG, and John Andretti were great friends from the very beginning of AIKG. When Nancy Andretti, President of CI4A Charitable Foundation, began looking for ideas to help fund the Foundation, Eddie and fellow AIKG Managing Partners, Stan Manousos, and Ed Kennedy, came up with the “Round Up Campaign.”

    AIKG locations began asking customers if they’d like to “round up’ their bill at the register. Customers were eager to honor John Andretti’s legacy while helping others in need. 

    Eddie Hamman & John Andretti

    Having Fun and Saving Lives!

    AIKG gives customers an opportunity to celebrate good times and make memories with family and friends. By participating in the round up campaign, customers are also able to help save lives. Every penny raised from the round up campaign has been donated to CheckIt4Andretti Charitable Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to partner with doctors and free clinics to provide free colonoscopies to people who need a colonoscopy but can’t afford it.

    A Winning Formula

    So what happens when two great organizations team up? You get a winning formula, of course! Since starting the Round Up Campaign in January 2021, AIKG customers have donated $334,541.00. 

    All 6 AIKG locations participate in the Round Up campaign. The donations from AIKG customers have helped directly with funding colonoscopies to patients. The effects of these donations are felt in the community. Recently, CI4A was recognized for its positive impact on the community. 

    Fast Friends in the Fight Against Cancer

    CI4A is grateful for all its donors as well as its medical and corporate partners. Without the support of so many doctors, nurses, volunteers and donors, CheckIt4Andretti wouldn’t be able to fulfill John Andretti’s wish to help those who might miss out on life-saving screening.

    When asked about CI4A’s special relationship with AIKG, Nancy Andretti said:

    Nancy & John Andretti

    “We are thrilled to call AIKG a loyal partner and contributor to the fight against colon cancer. AIKG has been a supporter since day 1 and have never wavered in their support in numerous ways in addition to the round up campaign. AIKG is a big reason why we are able to help people get the screenings they need and we appreciate their generosity with the round up campaign.”

    Join AIKG and Save Lives

    If you live near an Andretti Indoor Karting location, go in for a good time. And ask to round up. If you can’t visit a Karting center, you can still help by donating. If you can’t donate, make sure to get your own colonoscopy if you’re due (over 45 years old.) And get a colonoscopy sooner  if you’re at risk. Check it for the people you love. #CheckIt4Andretti!

    Support CheckIt4Andretti Here!
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    By admin@checkit4, ago