March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Posted on February 21, 2020
Did you know that colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if it’s caught early? In this case, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get screened. As a Health New England Medicare Advantage member, multiple screening tests are available to you depending on your health and risk factors.
The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get screened. As a Health New England Medicare Advantage member, multiple screening tests are available to you depending on your health and risk factors.
Tier 1 Screenings
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. Because a colonoscopy is very thorough, you may only need to have one every ten years. However, if you have a personal/family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you may need it more frequently.
Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is for people who cannot or prefer to not get a colonoscopy. This test is done annually and can be done in the privacy of your home and then mailed to a lab. This test is a convenient option for some, and is most effective when done annually. Ask your doctor if the FIT test is right for you as part of your annual physical or wellness visit, and discuss your results with your doctor.
Tier 2 Screenings (Prior Authorization Required)
Cologuard, or FIT-DNA test, is another option.
However, due to its method of testing, it is not appropriate for you if you:
- Have a family history of colon cancer (one or more first degree relatives diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer before the age of 60, or two or more first degree relatives diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer at any age).
- Had a positive result from another screening method in the last six months.
- Have been diagnosed with a condition that places you at high risk for colon cancer, including, but not limited to: inflammatory bowel disease, chronic ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, familial adenomatous polyposis.
- Have been diagnosed with a relevant cancer syndrome passed on from family, such as: hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, MYH-associated polyposis, Gardner’s syndrome, Turcot’s (or Crail’s) syndrome, Cowden’s syndrome, juvenile polyposis, Cronkhite-Canada syndrome, neurofibromatosis, or familial hyperplastic polyposis.
Be sure to talk with your doctor to determine which screening is right for you.
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