Screen for Colorectal Health from Home with Recuro Primary Care
Screening for Colorectal Cancer and learning the risks for both men and women to develop this preventable disease can be a challenge for many as they age. As March unfolds, we begin Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by diving into the details of the second leading cause of cancer deaths[1] through our comprehensive blog article below. You’ll learn when you should start getting regularly screened, how Recuro’s at-home test for colon cancer works, and how performing these preventative measures will benefit your health in the long term.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer occurs when cells in the colon or rectum multiply uncontrollably. Often referred to as colon cancer, the colon is part of the large intestine, while the rectum connects the colon to the anus. Abnormal growths known as polyps can develop in these areas, and over time, some may evolve into cancer. However, through screening tests, polyps can be detected and removed before they become cancerous. Moreover, screening aids in the early detection of colorectal cancer, significantly improving the effectiveness of treatment.
Understanding the Gravity of Colorectal Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute’s [2] statistics, over 153,000 individuals received a diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer in 2023, with more than 52,000 ultimately succumbing to this disease. When you combine statistics for both men and women, colorectal cancer claims the second most common cause for cancer-related deaths [3] in the United States year over year. These numbers show clearly the urgency of fostering widespread awareness and implementing comprehensive screening measures to lessen the impact of colorectal cancer.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal polyps, which are abnormal growths in the colon or rectum, can develop into cancer if left untreated. Similarly, colorectal cancer itself may not always present symptoms, especially in its early stages. This means that individuals could have polyps or colorectal cancer without being aware of it. That’s why regular screening for colorectal cancer is crucial—it allows for the detection and removal of polyps before they become cancerous. It facilitates the early diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.
Recognizing the importance of early detection, it’s essential to be aware of potential symptoms that may indicate the presence of colorectal issues. Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include a change in bowel habits, blood in or on the stool, persistent diarrhea or constipation, a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely, abdominal pain or cramps that persist, unexplained weight loss, and other discomforts. It’s important to note that these symptoms can be caused by various conditions other than cancer. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor promptly. Only a healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate next steps, which may include further testing or screening for colorectal cancer.
Begin Getting Screened at 45 Years Old, or Possibly Earlier
Most people should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 45 [5] and then continue getting screened at regular intervals, typically between every 5-10 years, which your doctor should determine. However, you may need to be tested earlier than 45 or more often than others if you have certain risk factors. These risk factors include having inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, or a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).
If you believe you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, it’s essential to have a conversation with your doctor about when to begin screening, which test is right for you, and how often to get tested. Your doctor can provide personalized guidance based on your individual risk factors and medical history, ensuring you receive the most appropriate and timely colorectal screening.
Empowering Members with Convenient and Accurate Cancer Screening At-Home Tests
At Recuro, we constantly seek innovative ways to improve our patients’ screening process, giving additional options to traditional screening procedures such as colonoscopies. This dedication has led us to offer cutting-edge screening technologies, such as our at-home colorectal cancer diagnostic test, which we provide to qualifying patients.
When our patients visit with a Recuro Primary Care Physician and are recommended to order a colorectal cancer test, they can conduct the test independently from the comfort of their homes. This noninvasive screening test is designed to detect signs of colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps in stool samples. It analyzes DNA and blood biomarkers and examines fecal occult blood to identify abnormalities that may indicate colorectal cancer or precancerous conditions.
This at-home test provides a convenient and effective method for early detection, helping individuals take proactive steps toward managing their colorectal health. This allows patients the option to take an in-home test versus in-person procedures and procedures and hospital visits, making the screening process more accessible and less intimidating for our members.
Moreover, Recuro’s at-home colorectal cancer test has impressive levels of accuracy, ensuring reliable results that aid in the early detection of colorectal abnormalities. By detecting potential issues early on, these tests empower our members to take proactive steps to manage their colorectal health and seek timely medical intervention if necessary.
Embracing Early Detection as a Critical Lifesaving Measure
While it’s true that the number of individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer can seem overwhelming, there’s a silver lining: early detection through various screening methods offers hope. Research consistently emphasizes the importance of early detection, showing that when colorectal cancer is identified in its earlier stages, the chances of survival skyrocket to an impressive 90.9%.[4] It’s critical for patients to undergo regular screenings so doctors can intercept colorectal cancers before they progress to more advanced stages.
Book Your Next Virtual Primary Care Appointment Today
Remember to prioritize your long-term health by scheduling a Primary Care visit through Recuro’s member portal or through the Recuro Care app during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. By partnering with one of Recuro’s Primary Care Physicians, you can conveniently screen for and begin treatment for any health conditions discovered. Regular screenings through Recuro Primary Care serve as a vital tool in the fight against colorectal cancer, offering patients the opportunity to catch the disease in its earliest stages when treatment options are most effective.
Take the first step and schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified primary care physicians today.
Looking to book an appointment with one of our health care providers? Get started by logging in to our member web portal or by downloading our Recuro Care app. Get started on a better health journey this year with Recuro Health!
You must first download the Recuro Care App, before booking an appointment.
*Plan configuration & services available may vary. Reach out to your plan administrator or Recuro Health’s Customer Service for a comprehensive list of your covered services at 855-6RECURO (855-673-2876).
Sources:
1: https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/colorectal-cancer-awareness-month/
2: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36856579/
3: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
4: https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/colorect.html
5: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/index.htm
