Mankato Clinic Reaches Out to Patients to Get Screened for Colon Cancer

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Mankato Clinic is reaching out to patients who are overdue for their colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer, often called colon cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults age 50 to 75 get screened for colorectal cancer every 10 years or sooner with a family history of colon cancer. Only 65 percent of U.S. adults are up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mankato Clinic has about 2,500 patients who are overdue for their colorectal cancer screenings. Health professionals are reaching out to patients by phone, email and letter because screening saves lives.

The best screening tool available is a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is the only screening that finds and removes pre-cancerous polyps before they turn into cancer. First and foremost, patients are being encouraged to schedule a colonoscopy.

For patients who choose not to schedule a colonoscopy at the Mankato Clinic Endoscopy Center, they will receive a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) that requires a stool sample. The test looks for hidden blood in the stool which can be a sign of colon cancer. If blood is detected, a diagnostic colonoscopy will be needed.

Colorectal cancer screenings may be covered by health insurance without a deductible or co-pay. Patients should check with their insurance company to see what screenings are covered.

Mankato Clinic is committed to patient and community wellness. To that end, Mankato Clinic is working to prevent colorectal cancer and detect it early when it is highly treatable. Click here to learn more.