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Why
is Colorectal Cancer Screening important?
Colorectal
cancer is the #2 cancer in America. This year, 55,000 Americans
will die from colorectal cancer. These deaths are nearly always
preventable.
What
does Colorectal Cancer Screening show?
1.
Screening can reveal
pre-cancerous polyps that can be removed before they
become cancerous.
2.
Early detection of
cancer can stop any spread of the cancer.
What
types of screening options are available?
1.
Fecal Occult Blood Tests - The physician can examine a small
stool sample to see if hidden blood is present.
2.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy - This test involves a scope that examines
the lower one-third of the colon.
3.
Screening Colonoscopy - This test involves a scope that examines
the entire colon. Polyps can also be removed at the same time.
4.
Barium Enema - This test involves an x-ray of the colon.
Will
Medicare cover these tests?
Medicare Part B covers colorectal cancer screening to help find pre-cancerous polyps. Colorectal cancer screening guidelines vary for each procedure.
1. Barium Enema is covered once every 48 months when used instead of sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. If you are considered high risk, Medicare will cover this procedure every 24 months.
2. Screening Colonoscopy is covered once every 120 months. If you are considered high risk, Medicare will cover this procedure every 24 months.
3. Fecal Occult Blood Test is covered once every 12 months.
4. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is generally covered once every 48 months. When this procedure is used instead of a colonoscopy it is covered once every 120 months.
Who
is at high risk for colon cancer?
1.
Individuals who have
a close relative such as a parent, child, brother or sister
who has colon cancer or colon polyps
2.
Individuals with
other inherited forms of colon polyps or colon cancer
3.
Individuals with
a personal history of colon or rectal cancer or colon polyps
4.
Individuals who have
been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease or
Crohn’s disease
If
you feel that you may be at risk for colon cancer, contact your
doctor. He or she will evaluate your symptoms and possibly perform
diagnostic tests to determine if you are truly at risk. A few
simple diagnostic exams could save your life.
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to Colon Cancer
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