Colorectal Cancer Screening FAQs

You received a message from Mercy because your health records show that there’s an opportunity to improve your overall health. Keeping up with needed tests and taking medications as prescribed can make you feel better and help prevent complications of your disease. We want you to be as healthy as possible and actively participate in decisions about your care.

Which Colonoscopy Test Should I Have?

General Message FAQs

Is my PCP aware I'm receiving these messages?

Yes. As your care team’s leader, your Mercy PCP knows you’re being contacted.

What if I don't think this message applies to me?

We use the information in your medical record to determine your need for tests, screenings, and medications.  If you think that you are up to date on your screening for Colorectal Cancer, and are receiving this message by mistake, please contact your PCP's office (by phone or by sending a MyMercy message). If you had your screening performed by another health care system, your PCP's office may ask you to bring/send in those results, so that they can update your medical record.

If you don’t have a MyMercy account, you can sign up here.

Colorectal Cancer Screening FAQs

Each year thousands of individuals are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and those in early stages often have no symptoms, which is why colorectal cancer screening is incredibly important. While colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, it is also one of the most preventable cancers. Mercy supports this important movement to bring greater awareness to a cancer that is often curable when detected early.

 

Few people look forward to a colonoscopy, but when you consider that it could save your life, it's a simple step worth taking.

The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool. For this test, you will receive a test kit from your health care provider (either in office or via mail). At home, you will use a brush to brush the surface of the stool (or, if the stool is loose, stir the water aroud the stool). You will then use the brush to mark the test card. You return the test kit to the lab (in-person or via mail), where the stool samples are checked for the presence of blood. (CDC guidelines and InSure kit instructions)

During a colonoscopy exam, a flexible tube is inserted into the rectum and moved through the large intestine. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to examine the lining and see any polyps that may be present. If colon polyps are found, they can be removed at the same time. You're under sedation, so you won’t feel a thing.

 

Before your exam, you will need to fast from solid foods and drink liquids to empty your colon. That's essential to getting a clear picture of the lining of your intestine. But today, there are options to make the prep easier than ever.

 

Mercy specialists will guide you through every step of your colonoscopy. They bring experience and expertise to this very effective form of cancer detection and treatment, and they'll work hard to keep you informed and at ease through the entire process.

If you think that you are up to date on your screening for Colorectal Cancer, and are receiving this message by mistake, please contact your PCP's office (by phone or  by sending a MyMercy message). If you had your screening performed by another health care system, your PCP's office may ask you to bring/send in those results, so that they can update your medical record.

Absolutely. You can either schedule the appointment type of your choice via Schedule with Mercy or send a message via MyMercy.

Colon Cancer Prevention

We know fighting cancer can feel overwhelming. At Mercy, you’ll find the care and support you need during treatment, recovery and beyond.