Medicare Coverage is Available for Testing

Colorectal cancer - often referred to as colon cancer - is the second leading cancer killer among men and women in the U.S. More than 145,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year in the U.S. and almost 50,000 people die from it annually. Colorectal cancer is largely preventable with regular screening, and is curable with early detection. Screening tests are covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.

Who is at risk?
Age, not gender, is the single most important risk factor for colorectal cancer. Both men and women should undergo testing for the disease starting at age 50. Some studies have also shown that African-Americans are more frequently diagnosed with colon cancer at a younger age, leading some experts to suggest that African-Americans should begin screening at age 45.

What are the symptoms?

In early stages colorectal cancer often will not produce any noticeable symptoms, and therefore when there are symptoms, the cancer may be at an advanced stage. Warning signs that may indicate colon cancer include:

Blood in your stools.
Narrower than normal stools.
Unexplained abdominal pain.
Unexplained change in bowel habits.
Unexplained anemia or weight loss.

These symptoms may be caused by other benign diseases such as hemorrhoids, inflammation in the colon or irritable bowel syndrome. However, a person with any of these symptoms should be evaluated by a physician.

There are also certain behaviors that can increase risk for colorectal cancer, including a high fat diet, smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Some individuals with certain gastrointestinal diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, may have a risk of developing colon cancer earlier than age 50 and should talk to their physician about regular colonoscopy screening starting at an age earlier than 50 years.

When colon cancer is caught early, most people are cured. However, when colon cancer is detected at later stages, the chances for cure are much lower.

Importance of Screening -
Currently there is no substitution for getting tested. A study by leading cancer groups found that colorectal cancer deaths have declined nearly five percent (2002-2004), in part due to prevention through screening and the removal of precancerous polyps. Colonoscopy is especially effective because it allows for the detection and removal of benign polyps or growths in the colon before cancer develops. This explains why colonoscopy is an invaluable tool that helps a doctor answer important questions about digestive health and prevent certain diseases like colon cancer.