Oct. 20, 2026 | By Jean Graves, Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital
FORT POLK, La. — For eligible Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital patients, taking the next step in colorectal cancer screening may begin by simply opening the mail.
Through the Defense Health Agency’s mailed fecal immunochemical test program, also known as FIT, June Lyons, BJACH’s population health nurse, identifies eligible patients and coordinates orders for at-home screening kits with step-by-step instructions and prepaid return packaging.
Lyons said mailings began in September, following a pause during the summer’s extreme heat. Kits continue to go out weekly, and BJACH received 26 screening results during the first month of mailings.
The program offers a convenient option for patients who might otherwise postpone screening.
Capt. Addison Bray, a physician and chief of primary care at BJACH, said concerns about colonoscopy and transportation issues can cause patients to delay screening. “FIT testing helps to alleviate these concerns since it is done at home,” Bray said.
Screening options available to BJACH patients include FIT, stool DNA testing such as Cologuard, and colonoscopy. Bray said the appropriate choice depends on the individual patient.
FIT checks for hidden blood in a small stool sample and is repeated annually. Cologuard checks for hidden blood and certain DNA changes and is generally repeated every three years. Both are completed at home. Colonoscopy allows a provider to examine the colon directly and remove polyps when appropriate.
Patients who have already completed colorectal cancer screening should contact their care team to confirm when they are next due before completing a newly received kit.
For patients using FIT, no bowel-cleansing preparation is required. “Patients do not make any changes to diet before they complete this stool test,” Lyons said.
Patients collect a small sample at home, label and package it according to the enclosed instructions, and return it promptly for laboratory testing. Keeping mailing addresses current helps ensure kits reach the right destination.
A positive result from either at-home screening option does not mean a patient has cancer. It means further evaluation with a colonoscopy is needed.
Results become part of the patient’s electronic health record. An abnormal result alerts the care team, who contacts the patient and coordinates the next steps. Bray said colonoscopy referrals are routed through TRICARE to community providers.
Patients experiencing symptoms should contact their provider rather than wait for routine screening. “Screening tests are designed for asymptomatic, average risk patients,” Bray said.
Patients with symptoms need an evaluation to determine the appropriate testing and care. Medical and family history also help providers recommend an individualized screening plan.
Lyons encourages patients to discuss screening needs with their primary care team, even when they feel well. “We are here to walk alongside you on your healthcare journey, not just to perform a procedure,” she said.
To ask about colorectal cancer screening or a mailed FIT kit, message your care team through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal or to schedule a primary care appointment, call 726-780-2175.
