New Recommendations for Colorectal Cancer Screening Could Save Your Life
The facts say it all. Except for lung cancer, colorectal is the leading cancer killer in the United States. And this year, of the approximately 139,000 Americans who will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, almost 60,000 will die from the disease. According to Uniontown Gastroenterologist Dr. Fraser Stokes, "If you're 50 years or older, or a younger adult with a family history of colorectal cancer, it is critical that you receive regular colorectal check-ups. And the most thorough exam is definitely the colonoscopy."
Colonoscopy is Now Covered by Medicare
Medicare now provides reimbursement for colonoscopy screenings every 10 years for any Medicare patient who wants one and more often for those at high risk. This is great news when you consider that up to 80% of colon cancer deaths can be prevented if caught in the early stages. In addition to colonoscopy - which allows a doctor to examine the entire colon - there are other forms of testing as well. A "flexible sigmoidoscopy" uses a scope to examine the lower third of the colon. A "fecal occult blood test" examines a small stool sample for hidden blood, although it should be combined with another test for maximum effectiveness. And finally, a "barium X-ray" is a tool for finding larger polyps and tumors in the colon, but is less effective in finding smaller growths. "All cancer begins as a polyp in the colon, so colonoscopy is the most effective because it allows us to check the entire colon for growths," notes Dr. Stokes. Ask your doctor which screening method - or combination - is best for you.
Taking a Closer Look at Colonoscopy
"Not only is a colonoscopy the most reliable form of screening, the instrument can also remove most polyps right then and there, eliminating the need for either a repeat procedure or surgery," explains Dr. Stokes. "And the prep for the procedure has gotten much simpler, requiring a clear liquid diet the day before, combined with 1.5 ounces of a liquid laxative that evening and then the morning of the procedure. As for the colonoscopy itself, it takes no more than 20 minutes and we use twilight sleep sedation during the procedure so the patient feels nothing."
If You're Not Covered by Medicare But Are Considering a Colonoscopy...
If you are considered at high risk for colon cancer at any age, your insurance company probably covers colonoscopy screenings at pre-determined intervals. If you are over 50 and not at high risk but would like a colonoscopy or other type of colorectal screening, your insurance company may cover it if you are referred by your primary care physician. If you are under 50 and not at high risk, you may have to pay for a colonoscopy or other test out-of-pocket. Check with your insurer about their guidelines.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Recommendations
For persons who have never had a colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous polyp (adenoma):
Average risk
Definition: Age 50 or older and no other risk factors.
Recommended age for screening: 50 years.
Recommended screening: Colonoscopy every 10 years.
Moderate risk
Definition: One immediate family member (mother, father, sister or brother) with colorectal cancer diagnosed at age 60 or older, or a family history of pre-cancerous polyps.
Recommended age for screening: 40 years.
Recommended screening: Colonoscopy every 10 years.
High risk
Definition: Two or more immediate family members (mother, father, sister or brother) with colorectal cancer, or one diagnosed with colorectal cancer at an age less than 60.
Recommended age for screening: 40 years or 10 years younger than affected relative, whichever is earlier.
Recommended screening: Colonoscopy at least every 3-5 years.
Return to LEARN MORE
The facts say it all. Except for lung cancer, colorectal is the leading cancer killer in the United States. And this year, of the approximately 139,000 Americans who will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, almost 60,000 will die from the disease. According to Uniontown Gastroenterologist Dr. Fraser Stokes, "If you're 50 years or older, or a younger adult with a family history of colorectal cancer, it is critical that you receive regular colorectal check-ups. And the most thorough exam is definitely the colonoscopy."
Colonoscopy is Now Covered by Medicare
Medicare now provides reimbursement for colonoscopy screenings every 10 years for any Medicare patient who wants one and more often for those at high risk. This is great news when you consider that up to 80% of colon cancer deaths can be prevented if caught in the early stages. In addition to colonoscopy - which allows a doctor to examine the entire colon - there are other forms of testing as well. A "flexible sigmoidoscopy" uses a scope to examine the lower third of the colon. A "fecal occult blood test" examines a small stool sample for hidden blood, although it should be combined with another test for maximum effectiveness. And finally, a "barium X-ray" is a tool for finding larger polyps and tumors in the colon, but is less effective in finding smaller growths. "All cancer begins as a polyp in the colon, so colonoscopy is the most effective because it allows us to check the entire colon for growths," notes Dr. Stokes. Ask your doctor which screening method - or combination - is best for you.
Taking a Closer Look at Colonoscopy
"Not only is a colonoscopy the most reliable form of screening, the instrument can also remove most polyps right then and there, eliminating the need for either a repeat procedure or surgery," explains Dr. Stokes. "And the prep for the procedure has gotten much simpler, requiring a clear liquid diet the day before, combined with 1.5 ounces of a liquid laxative that evening and then the morning of the procedure. As for the colonoscopy itself, it takes no more than 20 minutes and we use twilight sleep sedation during the procedure so the patient feels nothing."
If You're Not Covered by Medicare But Are Considering a Colonoscopy...
If you are considered at high risk for colon cancer at any age, your insurance company probably covers colonoscopy screenings at pre-determined intervals. If you are over 50 and not at high risk but would like a colonoscopy or other type of colorectal screening, your insurance company may cover it if you are referred by your primary care physician. If you are under 50 and not at high risk, you may have to pay for a colonoscopy or other test out-of-pocket. Check with your insurer about their guidelines.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Recommendations
For persons who have never had a colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous polyp (adenoma):
Average risk
Definition: Age 50 or older and no other risk factors.
Recommended age for screening: 50 years.
Recommended screening: Colonoscopy every 10 years.
Moderate risk
Definition: One immediate family member (mother, father, sister or brother) with colorectal cancer diagnosed at age 60 or older, or a family history of pre-cancerous polyps.
Recommended age for screening: 40 years.
Recommended screening: Colonoscopy every 10 years.
High risk
Definition: Two or more immediate family members (mother, father, sister or brother) with colorectal cancer, or one diagnosed with colorectal cancer at an age less than 60.
Recommended age for screening: 40 years or 10 years younger than affected relative, whichever is earlier.
Recommended screening: Colonoscopy at least every 3-5 years.
Return to LEARN MORE
