Gladys’ story is a powerful testament to the importance of annual screening. Without OC-Auto FIT, her cancer might have gone unnoticed until it was too late. Both she and her physician, Dr Patel, are passionate advocates for regular screening and early detection, and wanted to tell their story to the public.

The Growing Prevalence of CRC

Gladys’ experience underscores why it’s essential to encourage screening among patients 45 years of age or older, as recommended by leading expert guidelines.^1-3 Patients under 50 should be particularly aware of the dangers of CRC - in fact, CRC is the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second leading cause in women under 50.⁴

Unlike many other cancers, CRC grows slowly and has precursor lesions, Dr Aasma Shaukat, Professor of Medicine at New York Harbor VA Healthcare System explains.

“That truly gives us a target to not only detect cancer early but prevent it altogether by detecting and removing these precursor lesions,” Shaukat says.

Despite these benefits, screening rates remain low, particularly among patients under the age of 50.⁵

Efforts are ongoing to increase these rates to 80% or higher⁶ by promoting accessible tests like OC-Auto FIT. OC-Auto FIT, which can be done at home, aims to increase screening rates by making screening more accessible and less daunting, ultimately enhancing public health.

“Colon cancer is a silent disease. You don’t have to have any symptomatology at all to have a large mass in your colon,” says Patel.

And while colonoscopy remains the most well-known CRC screening method, many patients find its invasive and time-consuming process intimidating.

“Part of the hesitation to have a colonoscopy is that it is a time-consuming process. It involves two days for patients. Many times, patients are embarrassed. And then there’s also fears of the examination,” Patel explained.