Free Community Colorectal Screening

Each March, the program works with community pharmacies who provide a pick up spot for free immunochemical fecal occult blood colorectal screening kits to those ages 50 and older in the surrounding communities. The kits include postage paid envelopes to return the samples so there is no cost to the participant. The kits are very easy to do: they require one sample, have no food or medication restrictions. The hospital processes the samples at no cost to the program. Results are sent to the participants and their physicians, and all positive results are followed up with a mail survey (including a self-addressed stamped envelope, and the participant is encouraged to see their physician for a follow-up colonoscopy). Each kit provides colorectal cancer prevention and early detection education to share with others, and volunteers help with assembling the kits and disseminating the results.

To get as many age appropriate people screened as possible in the community and to raise awareness about the life-saving practice of colorectal screening.

Many cancers have been found and many have been prevented. The population has expressed gratitude for this program and the partners (such as the pharmacies and the hospital lab) are proud to be part of it.

The program initially used the old FOBT kits which were not reliable and were difficult to do. Only 162 people returned samples. The Hemosure iFIT kits the program uses now are very effective. Because these kits are easier and yield a much larger return rate, Salina's family practice doctors have been convinced to switch to this type of kit. The goal to give out 800 screening kits with a return rate of at least 65% was met as 801 kits were picked up and 66% (532) kits were returned with 59 positive results. Most of those with positive results had colonoscopies and had polyps removed, which prevented cancer. These efforts have been applauded by the KDHE and ACS, and the program was rewarded with funding and a success story on the CDC website. The Colorectal Cancer Roundtable has a goal of 80% of people screened by 2018, and this program is making progress towards that goal in Salina, KS.

This program is funded in several ways, and this year (2016) saved over $900 in postage by having the option of using a drop box at the cancer center.