March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and a new locally available blood test makes it easier than ever to go get screened—no but(t)s about it.
Now that you’ve set your clocks forward for daylight saving time, donned your St. Patty’s Day green and had your March Madness bracket busted, there’s only one more item to check off this month’s to-do list: Get screened for colon cancer. That’s right—March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, aka your annual reminder to schedule that colonoscopy starting at age 45 for those with average risk for the disease.
If reading that last sentence immediately filled you with dread (sorry!), we have some good news. Although a colonoscopy is still considered the most effective way to screen for colon cancer, there are several other options designed for people who may be inclined to skip this critical check due to fear, affordability or another reason—because the most important thing is to get screened, no matter which method you choose. When caught early, colon cancer remains one of the most treatable forms of cancer.
One of those options is the first-of-its-kind Colorectal Cancer Screening Blood Test, which is available exclusively at Any Lab Test Now, a leader in providing direct access to lab testing services with convenient locations in Raleigh, Cary and Durham. Fast, easy and, frankly, way less gross than a fecal-based exam, the groundbreaking test helps fill a void in the prevention and early detection of this deadly disease.
“Our Colorectal Cancer Screening Blood Test is a game changer,” says Glory Gallucci, the owner of Any Lab Test Now’s three Triangle-area locations. “It’s very effective with no nasty prep, no going under anesthesia; just a simple blood draw from the arm is all that’s needed.” And, at only $379, it’s practically a steal compared to many of the other commercially available noninvasive screening tests.
The test works by scanning for three protein markers in the blood that are highly associated with the presence of colorectal cancer. The entire process only takes about 15 minutes, and you can call and make an appointment online or simply walk in. “You get results back in 10 days, and we encourage you to share those results with a medical provider,” Gallucci explains.
As the rate of colorectal cancer in people younger than 50 continues to rise—take the late Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at age 39 and tragically passed away at 43—the experts at Any Lab Test Now urge folks to take control of their health by getting screened.
“This test holds special meaning to our team since we lost a colleague a few years ago to colon cancer,” Gallucci shares. “She was only 46 years old when she was diagnosed. While a colonoscopy is still the gold standard, this test can provide answers that may confirm the need for further testing.” Go ahead, check that box before the month is over—it could save your life.
