Participants will receive $575 for fully participating in the study and could receive potentially life-saving information.
"Colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful weapons against colorectal cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer death for men and women combined," says Ascension Via Christi Oncology nurse navigator Lisa Schmidt, RN. "That's because regular screening can detect polyps so that they can be removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer, a process that can take as many as 10 to 15 years. It also helps detect colorectal cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage."
To qualify for the Blue- C study, you must be at 55 or older, not previously had a colonoscopy and:
- No personal history of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- No positive fecal occult blood or Cologuard test in the previous two years
- No rectal bleeding in the past 30 days
Participants will have a blood sample drawn and be sent home with a collection kit with instructions for how to use and submit their stool sample. They also will need to schedule and undergo a colonoscopy, for which either they or their insurance plan will be responsible for the cost. Patients who are under- or uninsured may be eligible for financial assistance through a grant made possible through the Colon Cancer Coalition. Call 316-269-5790 for more information.
"We recommend that you schedule your colonoscopy and then give us a call about participating in the study," says Hope Stein, study coordinator with Ascension Via Christi Research. Stein can be reached at 316-268-5788.