1. What is the purpose of the colorectal cancer screening?

The purpose of the screening is to detect occult blood (blood not visible to the naked eye), which indicates bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Such bleeding may be as symptom of colorectal cancer.

2. Who should take this test?

The risk of developing colorectal cancer begins to increase after the age of 40 and rises sharply over the age of 50.

These include:

• All persons who do not have a family history of colorectal cancer.
• A previous history of colon cancer
• Any other malignancy
• Have no symptoms

All persons in high-risk categories for colorectal cancer should make an appointment with their physician for a colonoscopy.

These include:

• Those who have had colorectal cancer
• Women who have had breast cancer or reproductive tract cancer
• Those who have had benign intestinal polyps
• Those with a parent, sister or brother who have had colorectal cancer

Note: Persons with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer; however, different screening methods should be used.

3. How does the screening program work?

The program is based on a simple, take-home test, called EZ DETECT, manufactured by biomerica and distributed through Winn-Dixie Pharmacies.

4. Is the test difficult or painful?

No. The test is user-friendly and requires no stool collection. It includes simple directions for preparing your Test Results Card. In addition, a Colorectal Hotline is available from 8AM – 5PM, Monday–Friday PST, to answer your questions: (800) 854-3002.

5. Should I take the test even if I have no symptoms?

Yes. Most cancer and polyps do not cause pain or other symptoms at the onset but can be detected at an early stage by minute quantities of blood in the stool.

6. How will I know if my test is positive?

You are responsible for interpreting your test results. Any trace of blue-green color visible on any of the three tests indicates that blood may be present in your stool (a positive test result), meaning that there is a possible condition requiring your physician’s attention. If you have a positive test result, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician for follow-up care. You should be seen within four to six weeks after the test. Your physician may want to run additional tests.

7. If my test is positive, does this mean I have cancer?

A positive EZ DETECT test means that there may be bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Benign conditions such as polyps, hemorrhoids or rectal fissures can cause bleeding that could cause a positive result. Most studies suggest that only 5 to 10 percent of those with a positive test will be diagnosed as having cancer. However, it is imperative that anyone with a positive test result see a physician as soon as possible to determine the cause of bleeding.

8. If my test is negative, does it mean I don’t have cancer?

Not necessarily. A negative test means that there was no blood detected at this time. Blood in the stool may occur intermittently or not at all.

9. What are the chances of survival for someone with colorectal cancer?

If the cancer is found early and treated properly, more than 90 percent of patients survive five years or more and that’s why taking this test is so important.

10. When does the screening end?

EZ DETECT kits will be available at Winn-Dixie Pharmacies from March 7 – April 4, 2012.