Health on the Move Community Van

Initial cancer screenings help detect cancer at early stages, when they are most treatable. Regular cancer screenings for prostate cancer and colon cancer are among the best ways to ensure that if you develop cancer, doctors catch it before it spreads to other areas of the body. 

Most patients who get cancer don’t have a family history of the disease, so it’s important to get screened annually even if you don’t think you are at high risk. 

If you meet the eligibility criteria listed above, we recommend you schedule screening as part of your standard care. 

A FIT test, or fecal immunochemical test, is an at-home screening test for colon cancer. FIT tests are a colonoscopy alternative for people without a family history of colon cancer or who are not at high risk. 

After collecting samples, you will send the test to a lab for analysis. 

A PSA test, or prostate-specific antigen test, is a test that helps detect prostate cancer by using a blood sample. The PSA test measures whether your levels are within the normal range for your age. 

It is important to understand that if your PSA is elevated, it can indicate a number of health conditions, including prostate cancer. If your test results are abnormal, a care coordinator will call you to talk through your next steps.  

There is nothing you need to prepare for your appointment in the Community on the Move Van. Just call to schedule or fill out our online form.  

The Health on the Move Community Van offers patients a comfortable, private place to receive care from WashU Medicine care team members, including phlebotomists and public health coordinators. To enter the van, you will use stairs or a motorized lift that someone supervises for your safety.  

Once on the van you will meet your nurse. Depending on your needs, they may take a blood sample for a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and/or give you an assessment to see if you are eligible for a fecal immunochemical test (FIT test). If a FIT test isn’t right for you, a nurse will help connect you with your physician or refer you to one if you need. 

Community health workers at Siteman’s Health on the Move Community Van are part of a team at WashU Medicine who have undergone training in these specific types of tests. They can answer your questions or connect you to our specialists if you need more information.  

For the PSA tests, licensed phlebotomists will analyze the levels of your blood test in our lab. 

For FIT tests, lab technicians will receive your results to determine the stool level.  

If your results are flagged with abnormalities, that does not necessarily mean you have cancer. Your doctor might order follow-up tests depending on your results. A care coordinator will call you to talk about the next steps. 

If a FIT test shows abnormal results, your doctor might order further testing in the form of a biopsy, scan, or diagnostic colonoscopy. 

While most health insurance plans cover the cost of cancer screenings, you should call your insurance carrier before your appointment to confirm whether they will cover it. Patients on Medicare can call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit their website for more information. 

If you are underinsured or uninsured, you may qualify for financial help. Reach out to BJC HealthCare for more information. 

Yes! If you would like the Health on the Move Community Van to visit a workplace or community space to host a screening or education event, fill out our request form and a  team member will be in touch.