Colon Cancer Screenings Now Available at Ritter Center!
Ritter Center is now offering colon cancer screenings! These are free or low cost (sliding scale fee based on income).
As advocates for whole-person care, colorectal cancer prevention, and early detection is vital to your long term health.
Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel, and the rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus.
Sometimes there can be abnormal growths, called polyps form in the colon or rectum. Over time, these polyps may turn into cancer. Screenings tests are able to detect the polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screenings also help with finding colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best.
Who should get screened?
- All women and men without a family history of colorectal cancer should start at the age of 45.
- If you have a family history of colorectal cancer then you should start getting screened at the age of 40.
- According to the CDC, the vast majority of new cases of colorectal cancer (about 90%) occur in people who are 50 or older (CDC).
Tell me more about the screening process
You have two choices for screenings at Ritter Center:
1. In-house fit kit:
This is a stool test that looks for hidden blood in the stool. It is a test that you conduct every year. However, it is a user-friendly test that you can do in the convenience and privacy of your space or at our clinic.
We then process it at the lab. If you have normal results and no findings were found, you are all set for the next year! However, if the provider finds any abnormalities in the results, you may have to get re-tested based on the provider recommendation.
PLUS… we’re offering you a $20 gift card to Target when you complete an in-house fit kit screening.
2. Colonoscopy:
Although this procedure requires a more challenging prep, it is an important option to consider. This is a test where the doctor examines the entire colon and rectum with a colonoscope, which is a flexible tube about the width of a finger with a light and small video camera on the end. The instrument will be passed through the colon to sample or remove any polyps.
If you have results with no findings, you are all set for the next 5-10 years! However, if there are any abnormal findings the provider will recommend the appropriate steps to take.
For further information about colon cancer screenings, call Ritter Center’s clinic on 415-457-8182 ext 111.
Please don’t hesitate to call us. Prevention and early detection of diseases are key to helping you live a longer, healthier life.
Stay healthy and safe.
Mimi Soloman
FNP, Chief Medical Officer
Ritter Center
