March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – Know the Facts
Posted on February 26, 2026
About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second most deadly form of cancer in the United States. Adults ages 65 to 74 are more likely than younger people to get it. But, recent data show that colorectal cancer has increased among people ages 15 to 39.
How colorectal cancer begins
Colorectal cancer usually develops from a growth, called a polyp, inside the colon or rectum.
- If a polyp becomes cancerous, it can spread into the wall of the colon or rectum, which can then spread to other parts of the body.
- You may be more likely to develop polyps if someone in your family has had them.
- You may increase your risk of developing polyps if you are physically inactive, overweight, smoke or drink alcohol heavily.
- Some, but not all, polyps become cancerous over several years if they are not found and removed.
You can have polyps and not know it because, most of the time, they don’t cause symptoms. This is why getting screened is so important. Screening can help your provider find cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. In fact, screening might help them find and remove suspicious growths before cancer can form.
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.
- 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. Some members may receive a communication from LetsGetChecked, Health New England’s partner in at-home testing.
- 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 by your Medicare Advantage plan. If result is positive, further screening is necessary.)
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.
Reminder: For help finding a provider, please call our Member Services team toll-free at (877) 443-3314 (TTY: 711) or search our Provider Directory at healthnewengland.org/medicare/provider.
Sources: American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Cancer Institute; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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