Colon Cancer
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Colon Cancer Resources
There are a number of resources available for screenings although not many of them are suitable to the uninsured population due to cost, loss of work or patient acceptability.
The most cost effective manner in screening is by using a fecal immunochemical test or FIT. The FIT has also been shown to have higher acceptability with clinics achieving rates in the high-80% when using this modality. The FIT is not the same as the older FOBT and is considered to be one of the standards of care by the USPSTF. It is convenient and is self-performed by the patient at their house or in the clinic and can either be mailed back or returned in person. The actual cost of the test is approximately $4 and it can be a point of care test if you also have the reagents.
If positive the patient will need a diagnostic colonoscopy. The Colon Cancer Alliance advertises a number of local specialists willing to do the procedure for as low as $25. There are also a number of FQHCs that have been willing to connect patients in need of colonoscopies to their specialists. Unfortunately there is not a program similar to the Well Woman HealthCheck Program for colon cancer screenings, diagnostics and treatment.
Cancer
If a patient is diagnosed with cancer the Colon Cancer Alliance may have resources available for the uninsured, if not applying through charity care after an ED or direct admission to the hospital may be the only option for some patients.