Turning the Tide on Colorectal Cancer: The Importance of Early Detection for Men

June is Men’s Health Month, a time to bring focus on the health issues disproportionately affecting men and to underscore the importance of early detection and treatment. A key concern is that men are less likely to seek healthcare or visit the doctor regularly, often allowing preventable diseases to progress to advanced stages. This trend is especially alarming in the context of colorectal cancer (CRC), which affects men more frequently than women.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer. It has been observed that men are more susceptible to the disease, having a higher risk of developing it during their lifetime compared to women. Early detection can save lives, but lack of awareness often discourages men from undergoing screening tests like colonoscopies.

What’s more, the idea of invasive testing can be off-putting for many. Here’s where modern healthcare innovations, such as FIT (fecal immunochemical test) self-collection kits, come into play. These kits are non-invasive, easy to use, and can be done in the privacy of one’s own home.

FIT self-collection kits detect hidden blood in the stool, a common early sign of colorectal cancer. The test involves a simple process: you collect a small stool sample using the kit provided, and then mail it back to the lab in a prepaid envelope. The sample is then analyzed for the presence of blood, and results are typically available within a few days.

While a positive result doesn’t confirm the presence of cancer – other conditions like hemorrhoids can also cause blood in the stool – it does indicate the need for further testing. It’s a simple and effective preliminary screening tool that can catch potential issues early, leading to more effective treatment if cancer is detected.

The adoption of fit self-collection kits has numerous benefits. It removes many of the barriers associated with traditional CRC screenings, such as cost, time, discomfort, and the perceived stigma of undergoing a colonoscopy. They represent an accessible and user-friendly approach, designed to encourage more people, especially men, to participate in regular screenings.

Moreover, healthcare companies are integrating these kits into broader health solutions, creating personalized health journeys for patients. For example, a company like ixlayer leverages technology to seamlessly connect patients, healthcare providers, and labs, ensuring easy ordering, result reporting, and follow-ups.

It’s essential to remember that while FIT self-collection kits offer a convenient and accessible starting point for CRC screening, they do not replace the need for regular check-ups and screenings recommended by healthcare providers. Men, particularly those over the age of 45 or with a family history of CRC, should consult with their healthcare provider about the screening options best suited to their risk level.

Men’s Health Month is an ideal reminder that we can help all men evaluate their health behaviors, debunk the myth that visiting the doctor is a sign of weakness, and take proactive steps towards preventive care. Health plans, retailers and providers who incorporate user-friendly technologies like FIT self-collection kits can take a significant step towards increasing colorectal cancer screenings among men, potentially saving countless lives in the process.

 American Cancer Society. “Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer.” Date Accessed: 6/12/23.
CDC. “Leading Cancers by Age, Sex, Race.” Date Accessed: 6/12/23.