As Seen on WKRN Local on 2: Nashville General's Dr. Patel and Alicia Fair on Colorectal Cancer Prevention
Colorectal cancer is preventable — and a simple blood test at Nashville General Hospital is making it easier than ever to get screened.
March 4, 2026
On March 4, 2026, WKRN Local on 2 featured two Nashville General Hospital experts for a conversation on colorectal cancer — one of the most common and preventable forms of cancer in the country. Dr. Neha Patel, a doctor of internal medicine, and Alicia Fair, DrPH, who focuses on population health research, shared how screening saves lives — and how Nashville General Hospital is breaking down barriers to make it easier for everyone.
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What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. But there is a troubling new trend: it has become the number one cancer killer among younger adults.
Several factors can raise your risk, including:
- Family history or genetics
- A diet high in processed foods and low in fiber
- General cancer development, which can happen without a clear cause
Screening Starts at Age 45
The good news? Colorectal cancer can be caught early — and early detection makes it far more treatable. Current guidelines recommend that average-risk adults start screening at age 45.
Traditional screening options include:
- Colonoscopy — a procedure most people have heard of
- Fecal-based testing — collecting a stool sample at home and sending it in
Both are effective. But for many people, cost, preparation, or discomfort gets in the way. Nashville General Hospital's Digestive Health (GI & Liver) service includes resources to help you understand and prepare for your procedure.
A New Option: A Simple Blood Test — At No Cost
Nashville General Hospital is now offering a first-of-its-kind blood test called SimpleScreen CRC by Freenome. Nashville General is the first health system in the country to offer this early access program.
Here is what makes it different:
- It is a blood test — just like any routine lab draw at your doctor's office
- No preparation required
- Results are ready in two weeks
- Available at no cost through the early access program
A positive result means the blood shows signals that may be associated with colorectal cancer risk. A negative result means you continue with follow-up care as your doctor advises. Either way, you get clarity.
Who Qualifies?
The SimpleScreen CRC test is available to average-risk adults — people who do not have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer and do not have other known risk factors. If you are unsure whether you qualify, your provider at Nashville General can help you find the right screening path.
Why This Conversation Matters
Colorectal cancer does not get talked about as much as it should. Dr. Fair and Dr. Patel want to change that. Recent headlines have shown that this disease does not only affect older adults — public figures like actor James Van Der Beek were diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer at a younger age. Stories like these remind us that early screening is not just important — it is urgent.
Meet The Experts
Get Screened. It Could Save Your Life.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers there is — if caught early. Nashville General Hospital offers compassionate, expert care and a no-cost blood screening option for average-risk adults.
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As Seen on WKRN Local on 2: Nashville General's Dr. Patel and Alicia Fair on Colorectal Cancer Prevention
