March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a reminder of an important mission we’re on at Any Lab Test Now® because we, as a company, have been personally and directly affected by this disease.
Colon cancer has few symptoms and begins as small, noncancerous cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon — part of the digestive tract.
This Affects Us Deeply
Back in 2012, our friend and colleague Michelle Fields broke the news to us that at age 46, she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She was an integral part of our team here, and during her tenure, she assisted in opening more than 30 locations and supported franchisees in reaching their financial goals. She made the courageous decision to work throughout her treatment, and we were with her every step of the way. Sadly, our dear friend and colleague lost her battle after a four-year fight. Michelle died when she was just 50 years old.
Advances are Being Made to Help the Fight
Now, a decade after our friend’s diagnosis, a push by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance has changed the minimum age for colon cancer screenings because nearly 11% of new cases of colorectal cancer were occurring in people under 50. Age 50 had been the age formerly recommended for screenings. You may recall the high-profile death of “Black Panther” actor Chadwick Boseman who lost his battle with colon cancer back in 2020 when he was just 43 years old. Now the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has changed its recommendation to begin screening at age 45 for prevention efforts and early detection.
Progressive Testing With Any Lab Test Now®
Here at Any Lab Test Now®, it is our passion project to encourage everyone aged 45 and older to have a colon cancer screening done. We ourselves are unveiling an innovative new screening for colon cancer, labeled Colorectal Cancer Screening (Blood) on our website. This is a blood test that looks for three different protein markers that are highly associated with the presence of colon cancer. Because this is a screening, it can show you if there is something immediately concerning. The benefit of this test is that it helps you know if there’s a problem, and if so — can lead to early treatment. EARLY DETECTION IS KEY.
The gold standard to determine if you have colon cancer is still a colonoscopy. But, our new test is ideal to help you decide if that step is necessary. We encourage you to be screened if you are 45 or older. However, our new blood screening option is only intended for those who are at average risk of colon cancer.
According to the CDC, risk factors include:
- Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
- A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
And lifestyle factors like:
- Lack of regular physical activity
- A diet low in fruit and vegetables
- Poor diet with higher amounts of fats
- Overweight
- Alcohol consumption
- Tobacco use
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance reports that more than 150,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023. We at Any Lab Test Now® urge you to get screened for this preventable disease.
Testing that Works For You
Remember, at Any Lab Test Now®, we make this an easy experience for you. You do not need a doctor’s note to get lab testing done. We invite you to walk in for same-day testing during work-friendly hours.
The lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them. But we do encourage you to consult with a provider for further details to make the best decisions about your health. If you do not have a primary care physician, Any Lab Test Now® has partnered with Dial Care, a service that helps you find a provider licensed in your state.
Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health
There are great innovations in medicine, like our new colon cancer screening, that can save your life. We are here to provide the lab tests you need for answers to your health concerns and optimum wellness. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.
