Saving Lives Through Early Detection
Join the Fight Against Colorectal Cancer
Welcome to the CheckIt4Andretti Charitable Foundation, where our mission is to combat colorectal cancer through proactive prevention and early detection. We are dedicated to providing vital colonoscopy screenings to those most vulnerable—low-income, high-risk individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or too young for insurance coverage.
By raising awareness globally, we emphasize the preventative nature and straightforwardness of colonoscopies, striving to make these life-saving procedures accessible to all. Join us in our commitment to save lives and spread knowledge about the critical importance of early screening for colorectal cancer. Together, we can make a significant impact and honor the legacy of courage and determination.
John Andretti
At age 53, John Andretti was the picture of health – still fit from a career in Motorsports, swearing he would always race again and never officially retiring. He was the last person anyone expected to receive a cancer diagnosis, but in January of 2017, his colonoscopy came back positive for cancerous polyps. His diagnosis made him face the decision of either fighting the disease privately or announcing it to the public. He decided that, although this diagnosis is devastating, he would use it to bring awareness to the disease, advocating for proper screening and early detection. Thus, the #CheckIt4Andretti movement was born and has continued to save many lives by encouraging others to get colonoscopies. John fought hard throughout his three year battle with the disease, taking back days the doctors said he would never have. He was a fierce and fearless competitor against the ruthless disease, undergoing major surgeries, multiple rounds of chemotherapy and numerous clinical trials. On January 30th, 2020 John lost his battle to cancer. Although his fight is over, ours continues on. His legacy lives on through his family, friends, and fans. We are motivated to continue inspiring others to get the early screening and detection. Everyday, we are inspired by John’s fierce drive and commitment to helping others. We are determined to save lives while ensuring his legacy lives on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that is found in the colon and rectum that begins with polyps found in the lining of the colon and rectum.
How is Colorectal Cancer diagnosed?
Doctors can diagnose colon cancer in a few different ways. This may include blood and stool tests, CAT scans, PET scans, and the most common being a colonoscopy.
What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy allows doctors to detect changes or see abnormalities in the colon and rectum. During the procedure a long flexible tube is inserted into the rectum. A small video camera on the end of the tube allows doctors to view the interior of the colon to detect any abnormalities.
How do I get a free colonoscopy from CheckIt4Andretti?
CheckIt4Andretti provides free colonoscopies to uninsured or underinsured patients who are referred from one of our free or charitable healthcare partners. Patients must meet the participation criteria set by the free or charitable clinic. CheckIt4Andretti does not select patients or determine financial eligibility.
Who is eligible for a free colonoscopy from CheckIt4Andretti?
Any person who is a patient at one of our partner free or charitable clinic partners is eligible for a free colonoscopy. Healthcare providers at our partner clinics decide if a patient needs a colonoscopy based on age, symptoms or risk factors. The clinic then refers the patient to one of our partner gastroenterology groups to perform the colonoscopy. CheckIt4Andretti is billed by the gastroenterologist.
The CheckIt4Andretti Charitable Foundation, Inc.’s mission is to save lives by increasing awareness of the importance of screenings in the prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer, and by providing funding to high risk, low income patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or too young for insurance to cover the cost of screening.
If you are 45 or older, consult your doctor about getting screened. It can never be too early but it can be too late!
Lowering the Age for Insured Detection
Currently, the U.S Preventative Task Force recommends getting screened at age 45, but it is becoming more and more common to be diagnosed with Colon Cancer at a much younger age. So, why not get screened earlier? Right now, insurance may not cover a colonoscopy before age 45 unless you are experiencing symptoms. Even if insurance pays for the procedure, the deductible leaves many people unable to cover the cost, leaving even those with symptoms unable to pay for a procedure that could save their life. Hence, it has become our mission to lower the age that insurance covers colonoscopies – because everyone deserves the chance to fight.
When Should You Get Screened?
Right now it is recommended that everyone schedule their colonoscopy at age 45, however, it is becoming more common to be diagnosed with Colon Cancer at a younger age. It is important to know the symptoms and any risk factors that could make you more likely to be diagnosed with the disease. The truth is, the earlier the better, no matter what age you are. Cancer does not discriminate based on age, even if you have no risk factors. Know the symptoms, know the facts, and be proactive.
Think You’re Too Young?
Unfortunately, Colon Cancer can be seen in people as early as 20 years old. Data even shows that death rates are rising in younger populations and decreasing in those over 50. Even with this data, Colorectal Cancer is misdiagnosed approximately 15%-50% of the time in young patients, leading to a delay in proper treatment. The American Cancer Society says that, since 1994, Colorectal Cancer has seen a 51% increase in those under age 50. Even though colonoscopies are continuing to become more common, death rates for individuals under 55 are continuing to rise. Therefore, it is extremely important to be educated about prevention and risk factors no matter how old you are.
Are You at Increased Risk for Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis in both men and women in the United States, when excluding skin cancers. Knowing if you’re at increased risk can be the first step towards beating colorectal cancer. Earlier diagnosis and earlier treatment can mean better outcomes.
In order to help healthcare providers and patients determine their risk, The National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute have developed an easy to use Colorectal Risk Assessment Tool. The tool is meant to be used by men and women between the ages of 45-85 and is standardized for white, black/African American, Asian American/Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latino people. Unfortunately, it does not accurately assess risk for individuals with certain medical conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, familial adenomatous polyposis, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or a personal history of colorectal cancer in the past.
This helpful test can be completed in 5 minutes in the privacy of your home. It will compare your risk to others of your same gender, age, and ethnicity. Best of all, it can be printed out and taken to your healthcare provider to start the discussion of when you should be screened! Do it today and know your risk.
Risk Factors
There are many factors that may put you at a higher chance of getting Colon Cancer, although many of these risks can be lowered by simple lifestyle changes. Knowing your specific risk factors are incredibly important in both prevention and early detection.
These risk factors include family history, poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol use, age, and weight.
Family History
If you have a family history of the disease, your chances of being diagnosed with Colon Cancer are greater. Check with your doctor to see when a colonoscopy is recommended for your age and risk factors.
Age
Those who are older, especially above the age of 45, have an increased risk of Colon Cancer. It is important to know, however, that Colon Cancer can be diagnosed at any age and is becoming more common in younger individuals.
Smoking and Alcohol Use
Smoking and alcohol have both been strongly tied to Colon Cancer. If you want to lower your risk, it is important to be conscious of your alcohol consumption and to quit smoking. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation if you have questions or concerns.
Community News
At CheckIt4Andretti, we’re dedicated to raising awareness about colorectal cancer and providing essential screenings to those in need. Our Community News section highlights our latest initiatives, community engagements, patient stories, and testimonials, showcasing the impact of our mission and the lives touched by our efforts.
An Inspirational Story of Hope and Healing
The CheckIt4Andretti Foundation is proud to be featured in UICC’s Rewriting Cancer series by BBC Storyworks. This moving short film highlights Gladys Dykes, a recipient of a CI4A colonoscopy grant, whose life was saved through early detection. After an abnormal at-home FIT screening provided by Polymedco, Gladys received a colonoscopy at no cost from Dr. Vinay Patel at NE Digestive Health. The procedure revealed and removed a cancerous mass, leaving Gladys cancer-free. This heartwarming story showcases the power of partnerships and screenings in the fight against colorectal cancer, honoring John Andretti’s legacy.
