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Colorectal cancer is a significant health concern, but early detection through screening can dramatically improve outcomes. In a proactive effort to boost screening rates and potentially save lives, the Defense Health Agency (DHA) has rolled out a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) Kit mailing program across its Continental United States (CONUS) Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs). Defense Health Network (DHN) Atlantic is playing a key role in this initiative, bringing convenient, at-home screening directly to eligible beneficiaries.
What are FIT Kits and Why Are They Important?
FIT kits are a non-invasive way to screen for colorectal cancer. These kits allow individuals to collect a small stool sample at home, which is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test detects hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer or polyps.
"FIT kits are a valuable tool because they are convenient and can be done in the privacy of one's home," explains Elijah Swift, the DHN Atlantic population health network lead. "This can help overcome barriers to screening, such as scheduling conflicts or discomfort with traditional screening methods."
The DHA's FIT Kit mailing program targets patients aged 45-75 who receive care at an MTF and are not up to date on their colorectal cancer screening. Providers will review medical histories to determine eligibility, as certain diagnoses may exclude individuals from participation. Patients are generally considered average risk if they do not exhibit any symptoms and do not have a history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or polyps; and no history of these events existing within their immediate family.
“Once I received the FIT Kit it was a very simple and easy process to complete,” said Capt. Helen Cann, the chief medical officer at Naval Health Clinic New England. “The instructions are extremely easy to follow and within 2 days of receiving the kit, I had my sample in the mail and currently awaiting my results.”
DHA’s FIT Kit initiative is modeled after successful programs at other organizations including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). FIT Kit mailing programs can significantly increase screening rates and contribute to reduced mortality and improved health disparity.
How the Program Works
1. DHA will send a kit in the mail to patients who are thought to be at average risk and needing screening.
2. If you are at average risk and unscreened, simply complete the FIT. Make sure to write the date you collected your sample on the envelope or sample bottle.
3. Return the FIT by mail. The FIT comes with a pre-addressed/postage paid envelope that will return your sample to the lab.
4. Look for your results in your MHS Genesis Patient portal at https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/identitymanagement/app/login
Contact your team if:
1. You received a FIT but you are at higher risk. In that case, we will help you with a referral for a colonoscopy.
2. You received a FIT but are already screened. We would love to know that.
3. You returned your FIT but don’t see your results in the patient portal within two weeks. The mail isn’t perfect, and sometimes the FIT arrives too late to be processed. If we see that your FIT doesn’t arrive in two weeks, we will send you a replacement FIT!
Atlantic Network Leads the Way
Currently, all 12 parent sites within DHN Atlantic are actively participating in the DHA FIT KIT mailing program. Pensacola led the way as the Pilot site to start, and Ft. Eustis recently joined the program, finalizing participation of all CONUS sites in the Atlantic network. To date, more than 5,600 kits have been mailed to homes across the Atlantic network.
“I was excited to learn that DHA had developed a streamlined, simple process for ordering and delivering FIT Kits by mail for colorectal cancer screening of low-risk beneficiaries,” said Susan Geagan, a nurse educator with Naval Health Clinic New England. “We have been able to screen many more patients in an expeditious manner and give them reassurance that they have a negative screen or in some cases identify patients who require further testing. Without this program, these individuals might not have known that they needed follow up. This effort is truly putting prevention into practice!”
Benefits and Looking Ahead
The DHA's FIT Kit mailing program has the potential to significantly impact colorectal cancer screening rates within DHN Atlantic and beyond. By making screening more accessible and convenient, the program aims to detect cancers earlier, improve treatment outcomes, and ultimately save lives.
“The FIT Kit program has been an easy program to institute for our low-risk members,” said Kathleen Cyr, a quality management specialist at Naval Branch Health Clinic Portsmouth in Kittery, Maine. “The education format has been clear and concise with the appropriate amount of support prior to going live. Members will absolutely benefit from this proactive approach.”
For more information about colorectal cancer screening and the DHA's FIT Kit mailing program, contact your primary care provider or visit https://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/ColorectalCancerExams.
Headquartered in Portsmouth, Virginia, Defense Health Network Atlantic comprises military hospitals and clinics mainly along the Atlantic coast. The network includes military hospitals and clinics in New England, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Florida, Illinois, and the Naval Hospital in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
| Date Taken: | 09.23.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.23.2025 11:21 |
| Story ID: | 549044 |
| Location: | PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 95 |
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