March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Posted on February 28, 2024
Have You Gotten a Colorectal Cancer Screening Yet?
Make it happen—get screened. Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the U.S., but it doesn’t have to be. The good news is that colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if caught early, and the best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get screened.
People at average risk for colorectal cancer should first be screened at age 45. Regular screenings should be done through age 75. Screening until age 85 should be based on personal preference, one’s overall health, prior screening history, and cancer risk.
Types of Screenings
As a Health New England Medicare Advantage member, multiple screening tests are available to you depending on your health and risk factors:
• Colonoscopy is a screening that visually examines the lining of the colon. It can include the removal of pre-cancerous polyps in the same visit. If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, this is the best test for you. A negative screening colonoscopy is typically good for 10 years depending on your cancer risk.
• Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is for people who cannot or prefer not to get a colonoscopy. This test can be done in the privacy of your home and then mailed to a lab. This screening test is done once a year. InSure® ONE™ through Quest Diagnostics® is a FIT test. You may have received a letter or email from Quest about the no-cost InSure® ONE™ collection kit. Be sure to take advantage of this no-cost option if it’s right for you.
• Cologuard, or FIT-DNA test, is another non-invasive option, done at home. This type of test finds abnormal DNA and blood in the stool sample. (A prior authorization is not required for Cologuard®, or FIT-DNA test, as this is considered preventive care and is covered every three years by your Medicare Advantage plan.)
We recommend you talk with your doctor to determine which screening is right for you. Then, after your screening, your doctor will discuss with you the results and any additional follow-up, if needed.
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