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Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death in men and women, and an estimated 10.5% of new colorectal cancer cases occur in people younger than 50. Fortunately, there’s a secret weapon to beat it: screening.

As of 2018, the American Cancer Society recommends regular screening starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals. Ask your doctor when and which type of screening is right for you.

“Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that is preventable by screening,” says Shari Stanley, RN, Colorectal Screening Program Coordinator (photo above). “We can estimate that at least 50% of deaths — maybe more — from colorectal cancer are preventable with screening.”

Stanley she has a background in oncology and primary care, and she is passionate about preventing colorectal cancer. During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March (and beyond!), she is an in-house resource for team members. Stanley is available to answer questions about colon cancer, risk factors, and insurance coverage, and she is hand-delivering fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) or mail Cologuard to qualified team members on a UVA Aetna health plan.

The FIT is an annual, at-home, stool test, has a 95% overall accuracy for detecting colorectal cancer. With a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 96%, it is the highest sensitivity and specificity of all the FITs available in the United States, according to the U.S. Preventative Task Force.

Cologuard, which is repeated every three years, is an at-home test that detects certain DNA markers and blood in the stool. This test finds 92% of colon cancers and detects 42% of precancers. Once ordered, it will be shipped directly to the team member’s home with instructions for an easy mail return.

To inquire about the tests or ask a question, contact crcscreening@virginia.edu or 434.297.8427.

What’s the FIT Like?

UVA Health team members shared their experience with the FIT, and it turns out, the experience is not that bad. Here is what they had to say:

“I encourage everyone who is eligible to participate in the FIT program to take advantage of this important screening opportunity,” says Meg Keeley, MD, Senior Associate Dean for Education, School of Medicine. “I have participated for the last three years, and it could not be easier or more convenient. The instructions are straightforward, and you collect your sample at home. Your results come back quickly to MyChart and can be shared with your care provider.”

Nicole Mohiuddin, Senior Information Technology Analyst – Business Systems, found the test easy to complete as well. “I have participated in this wonderful opportunity for several years, and it could not be easier and more convenient. The instructions are straightforward, and you collect your sample at home. Your results come back quickly to MyChart and can be shared with your provider.”

UVA Health Plans Cover Screening

Did you know all UVA Aetna Health Plan members (Basic, Value, and Choice) have full coverage for colorectal cancer screening?

“The level of coverage for colorectal cancer screening with UVA’s Aetna plans is unprecedented,” says Stanley. Team members can call the number on the back of their insurance card for more information.

UVA supports four ways for covered team members to get screened:

• FIT (at-home stool test)
• Colonoscopy
• CT colonography
• Cologuard (at-home stool test)

UVA Aetna health plans recognize the American Cancer Society’s recommended screening age of 45, but individuals on other plans should check with their insurance company for the screening coverage age.

All UVA Health team members with Anthem insurance are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider to learn how to receive a stool-based test. They can also contact Shari with any screening questions: crcscreening@virginia.edu or 434.297.8427.