Free Colorectal Cancer Screenings
Colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer in both men and women excluding skin cancer. It’s also the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the U.S. and the fourth for women, according to the American Cancer Society.
The good news? The chances of recovery are excellent for people who receive an early diagnosis. That’s why it’s important to get screened for colorectal cancer on a regular basis.
You may quality for a free screening test. That’s thanks to a grant Enloe Health received from Exact Sciences, a leading provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests that aims to increase colorectal cancer screenings in Butte County.
Is it Time for Your Screening?
Current screening guidelines recommend that people aged 45 and older complete either:
- A fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or a Guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) every year
- A multi-target stool DNA test (Cologuard) every three years
- Or a colonoscopy every 10 years
Based on your age and available screening history, you may qualify to receive a free kit to screen for colorectal cancer. If the screening test is positive, financial assistance may also cover your follow-up colonoscopy.
Please note that the number of free screening kits is limited. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Take Our Survey
To see if you quality for a free screening, answer our questionnaire in your MyChart account.
Once you finish the questionnaire, an Enloe Health caregiver will reach out to you to let you know if you qualify for a screening and how to go about getting the screening.
Know the Signs
Colorectal cancer rarely causes symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms can include:
- Unexpected weight loss
- Persistent abdominal pain
- A change your bowel habits
- Or blood in your stool, in the toilet, or on the toilet tissue
Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms, no matter your age or when you last had a colorectal cancer screening. In this case, ask for a diagnostic colonoscopy instead of a screening test.
Watch Our Video
Colorectal surgeon Michael Fealk, D.O., and gastroenterologist Fong-Kuei “Frank” Cheng, M.D., discuss colorectal cancer. Learn about this common cancer that’s preventable, treatable and beatable, especially if caught early.
FAQs
How do I get my free screening kit?
Please stop by the Enloe Health Community Health office, 1448 Esplanade, Chico, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You don’t need to make an appointment. If you would like to call ahead, you can contact the office at 530-332-5443.
How do I check my screening results?
You can check your results in MyChart, Enloe Health’s patient portal. Learn more.
Additionally, an Enloe caregiver will call you to discuss your results within two business days.
What do my results mean?
A positive result does not mean you have cancer. Enloe Health Community Health will provide you with a referral for a colonoscopy. This procedure will allow caregivers to investigate more.
A negative result does not confirm the absence of cancer. If you receive a negative result, you should still stay up to date on cancer screenings with your doctor.
When can I get my colonoscopy?
If you took a FIT or Cologuard test and received a positive result, Enloe Health’s Colorectal Surgery team will call you within two weeks to schedule your initial consultation. Your colonoscopy will take place within three months of your consultation.
What will the financial assistance cover?
The financial assistance pays for the screening kit while funds last. It may also cover a colonoscopy for patients who qualify.
If you need additional financial assistance, Enloe Health Patient Financial Services may be able to help. Learn more.
Have Questions?
To learn more about free colorectal cancer screenings, please call Enloe Health Community Health at 530-332-5443.
