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Incidence of CRC Increasing in Younger Patients

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A rise in early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients younger than 50 prompted leading health organizations to recommend CRC screening starting at age 45 for all average-risk individuals.

A study published Jan. 7 in “Gastroenterology” supports the lowered CRC screening age. The study was conducted by AMSURG and researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

“We have known for many years that rates of colorectal cancer are rising in individuals younger than 50, prompting several medical organizations to recommend lowering the screening age from 50 to 45. What has been missing until now is confirmatory data of the prevalence of precancerous polyps in younger individuals,” said lead author Steven H. Itzkowitz, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF, Professor of Medicine (Gastroenterology), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in Medical Xpress. “Our study provides an important piece of the puzzle and supports the recommendation changing the screening age to 45.”

Study Finds ‘45 is the New 50’

According to statistics, the number of colorectal cases has been increasing since the mid-1990s in adults ages 40-54. These cases are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed later in the course of the disease — a younger individual’s CRC risk factors and symptoms can be easily overlooked.

In this first large-scale study to look at precancerous polyps in this age group, researchers analyzed data collected between Jan. 1, 2014, and Feb. 5, 2021. The study focused on approximately 131,000 patients aged 40-49 from 123 AMSURG (a division of Envision Healthcare) ambulatory endoscopy centers across 29 states that report their results to the GI Quality Improvement Consortium (GIQuIC) Registry.

Several factors were associated with higher odds of finding advanced premalignant lesions (APLs) and colorectal cancer, including age, family history of CRC, sex (male), race (white) and examinations performed for evaluation of rectal bleeding or screening.

In this study, entitled “Prevalence and Predictors of Young-Onset Colorectal Neoplasia: Insights from a Nationally Representative Colonoscopy Registry,” results were reported among patients aged 45-49. Some of the study’s findings regarding this age group are listed below:

  • 32 percent had neoplasia (precancerous or cancerous lesions considered precursors of colorectal cancer)
  • Nearly 8 percent had APLs
  • 0.58 percent had CRC
  • Prevalence of neoplasia and APLs were almost as high as those of 50-54 year olds, and the rates of CRC were even higher.

Additionally, among 40-44 year olds, rates of APLs were almost as high as for those aged 45-49, and colorectal cancer rates were comparably high, according to the study.

Dr. Itzkowitz told Healio that the data confirmed that “45 is now the new 50” for CRC.

“Colon cancer used to be considered a disease of old age and that is no longer true,” Dr. Itzkowitz told Healio. “Our data also suggest that clinically important lesions occur about five years earlier in individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer compared to those without a family history. That is why it is very important to take a good family history.”

Study co-author, Jay Popp, MD, Medical Director for AMSURG, told Medical Xpress that “the team’s findings reiterate the importance of colorectal cancer awareness — both among patients and clinicians.”

“Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it is one of the most preventable cancers,” Dr. Popp said. “The more patients know about their bodies and risk for colorectal cancer and the more clinicians can do to help patients receive routine and timely screenings, the more lives we can save. Everyone can play a role in helping a loved one or neighbor prevent colorectal cancer.”

New Law Changes Follow-up Screening Cost

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. According to the ACS, about 60 percent of all colon cancer fatalities in the United States could be prevented if every man and woman 45 years or older would choose to be screened for colon cancer.

If you have a positive stool-based test, a follow-up colonoscopy is critical. In fact, if you delay a colonoscopy for nine months or more after a positive stool-based test, you are much more likely to have an advanced cancer.

In the past, most patients were required to pay the deductible for a follow-up colonoscopy to evaluate a positive stool-based test. Stool-based tests include the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and stool-DNA test (Cologuard). A new law changes the requirement for patients to share in the cost. Health insurance plans within the Affordable Care Act will be required to provide no-cost coverage of this follow-up procedure. This coverage is for plan or policy years beginning on or after May 31, 2022.

To avoid confusion, contact your healthcare provider first and then schedule an appointment.

Colonoscopy Is Gold Standard for CRC Screening

If you are 45 or older, get screened for colorectal cancer.

In 2020, about 12 percent of all cases of CRC occurred in individuals under 50, according to the American Cancer Society. Patients diagnosed prior to age 50 were more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

When colorectal cancer is found at an early stage before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent.

Many screening methods are available, but colonoscopy is the gold standard procedure because it allows your doctor to see the entire length of the colon to examine for polyps, lesions and abnormalities. A quality colonoscopy is the only screening that can both detect and prevent colon cancer.

Call Your Gastroenterologist to Schedule a Colonoscopy

Our fellowship-trained gastroenterologists perform colonoscopy screenings at ambulatory surgery centers around the country. Click here to enter your zip code and locate a GI specialist near you.

New Study Says Gender and Diet Influences Colon Cancer Risk

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Colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Even though incidence is decreasing among older adults, colon cancer mortality among Americans under 55 is steadily increasing. Why are younger people dying from colon cancer? Perhaps examining the risk factors and preventive measures can provide a better understanding of why colon cancer is no longer a disease of the elderly.

Some of the main risk factors for colon cancer include obesity, a low-fiber/ high-fat diet and a sedentary lifestyle. New research suggests that gender can also be a factor. For example, recent data found that males who eat a high-fat diet can develop harmful gut inflammation, making them more susceptible to colon cancer.

Inflammation and Colon Cancer Risk in Mice

A multi-institutional research team studied male and female mice to compare the levels of an inflammatory marker associated with colon cancer risk. When the mice ate a control diet, males had higher levels of inflammation.

When the research team fed all mice a high-fat diet, both genders experienced increased inflammation. However, only females had lower inflammation when the team combined exercise with a high-fat diet.

“Taken together, these findings suggest that males respond poorly to a high-fat diet, causing inflammation and increased cell proliferation, making them at greater risk for colon cancer,” the research team wrote (Medical Xpress).

How to Eat a Low-Inflammation Diet for Colon Health

Although the study suggests males may be at heightened risk for colon cancer, it’s important to remember that this disease can affect anyone. The American Cancer Society estimates that 53,200 people died from colorectal cancer in 2020, and 3,640 were adults younger than 50.

Preventing inflammation begins with your fridge and not with ibuprofen. Some of the foods that produce inflammation include:

  • Refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, cereal, pastries and cookies
  • Fried foods, prepared foods, processed foods and foods with preservatives
  • Soft drinks and beverages sweetened with sugar
  • Red meat and processed meat like sausage and hot dogs
  • Shortening, lard and margarine

To reduce inflammation, one of the healthiest eating plans is the Mediterranean diet, which includes lots of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish and healthy oils like olive oil and avocado oil. As you shop at the grocery store, look for anti-inflammatory foods such as:

  • Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, and mustard and collard greens
  • Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel which are high in omega-3 fatty acids
  • Tomatoes
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Almonds, walnuts and other nuts (Harvard Health)

Schedule a Colonoscopy to Prevent Colon Cancer

While a low-inflammation diet can help prevent colon cancer, the best way to lower your risk is a colon cancer screening. There are many methods of screening, but the gold standard is colonoscopy. Unlike a stool test, a colonoscopy allows your doctor to inspect the entire colon and remove any precancerous growths called polyps.

The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. However, if you are at high risk for colon cancer (history of colon polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Disease and certain genetic conditions), or if you have digestive symptoms, you should get screened earlier. Use our Locator Tool to find a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your area.

Pandemic Lockdown Restrictions Results in Poor Colon Cancer Diagnosis

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Recently published data documents that patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer after last year’s COVID-19 lockdown had poorer results than others.

Study: Delaying CRC Diagnosis Increased Tumor Burden

According to research published Sept. 8 in JAMA Network Open, patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer after the country’s first COVID-19 lockdown in spring 2020 had a higher burden of tumor cells compared to those diagnosed before the lockdown.

In the analysis, 40 people were screened before and 40 people were screened after the first COVID-19 lockdown in France.

“To our knowledge, this study was the first to assess the association between COVID-19 restrictions and delayed treatment and diagnostic services for a specific cancer,” the researchers noted in an article published in Becker’s Hospital Review.

The study analyzed data collected during the enrollment phase for a phase 2 clinical trial.

Researchers found that individuals diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) after the lockdown exhibited a burden of tumor tissue cells nearly seven times higher than those diagnosed before the pandemic.

In addition, the median survival decreased from 20 months to just less than 15 months in patients with a higher tumor burden.

“The tumor burden of colorectal cancer varied and appeared to be associated with poor survival for those who received a post lockdown diagnosis, suggesting that this cancer is a major area for intervention to minimize COVID-19-associated diagnostic delay,” researchers said in Medscape.

Don’t Delay Colon Cancer Screening

Delaying treatment and diagnostic services, like colonoscopy, can lead to poor outcomes for colorectal cancer patients.

“Delayed screening very likely leads to advanced cancers, and it is highly likely that the pandemic raised the threshold that patients would seek medical care for subacute symptoms,” said Theodore S. Hong, MD, director of gastrointestinal services at Mass General Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts in Medscape. “This is leading to many patients presenting with advanced gastrointestinal cancers.”

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The American Cancer Society’s recommendation for baseline colon cancer screenings is 45 for all adults at average risk for colon cancer, so you may be due for a screening. Patients with digestive symptoms which might be due to colon cancer should be promptly evaluated, regardless of age.

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening because the procedure can both detect and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancer.

Prevention Begins With an Expert GI Doctor

To schedule a colonoscopy or colon cancer screening, we can help. Our fellowship-trained gastroenterologists are accepting new patients. Click here to find a gastroenterologist in your area.

Vitamin D May Lower Risk for Colon Cancer in Younger Adults

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Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for building healthy bones, supporting immune health and maintaining muscle and brain cell function. A new study published in Gastroenterology suggests increased levels of vitamin D could help prevent colon cancer.

New Research Regarding Vitamin D and Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer incidence is reportedly declining in many countries, but the incidence is increasing in younger adults. Family history and heredity only account for a small percentage of colon cancer among early-onset cases, so experts suspect lifestyle patterns and dietary habits play a significant role.

Scientists from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and other institutions analyzed the Nurses’ Health Study II data. They were particularly interested in finding an association between vitamin D intake and young-onset colon cancer, diagnosed before 50 years of age.

Kimmie Ng is the Director of the Young-Onset Colon Cancer Center at Dana-Farber. “Vitamin D has known activity against colorectal cancer in laboratory studies,” Ng said. “Because vitamin D deficiency has been steadily increasing over the past few years, we wondered whether this could be contributing to the rising rates of colorectal cancer in young individuals” (The Harvard Gazette).

Ng and colleagues found that a daily intake of 300 IU or more of vitamin D per day was associated with a 50 percent lower risk of colon cancer among women under 50. That is equal to three eight-ounce glasses of milk.

Dietary vitamin D displayed more favorable results than vitamin D supplements, suggesting that vitamin D offers more protective benefits when ingested in food sources. Good sources of vitamin D include:

  • Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring
  • Egg yolks
  • Red meat
  • Liver
  • Fortified foods like breakfast cereal, milk and orange juice
  • Mushrooms

Ng says the study results underscore the importance of vitamin D in young adults’ health and possibly preventing colon cancer. “It is critical to understand the risk factors that are associated with young-onset colorectal cancer so that we can make informed recommendations about diet and lifestyle, as well as identify high-risk individuals to target for earlier screening,” said Ng.

How You Can Lower Your Risk for Colon Cancer

While diet and exercise are essential for health and cancer prevention, the best way to lower your risk for colon cancer is a colon cancer screening. The gold standard is colonoscopy because it allows your doctor to examine the entire colon for precancerous growths called polyps and remove any suspicious lesions. Colonoscopy offers not only the ability to diagnose colon cancer, but to treat and prevent it, all in a single exam.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy Before Your Deductible Resets

When was your last colonoscopy? The recommended age for colon cancer screening is now 45, so it may be time for you to schedule an appointment.

If you have a family history of colon cancer or are experiencing symptoms that may be due to colon cancer, you should consult your physician. Colonoscopy may be recommended regardless of age.

It’s hard to believe that we are approaching the end of the calendar year. Colonoscopy is considered preventive care, so your procedure could be very low-cost or even free. Your deductible will reset in January, so contact your insurance company to verify your deductible status.

Find a Gastroenterologist in Your Area

If you are looking for a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist, we can help. Enter your zip code here to locate a GI doctor in your area. Don’t wait until December to schedule your colonoscopy. Call today.

Colonoscopy is Elective but Essential: Schedule Today

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Many hospitals and healthcare facilities are delaying elective surgeries and procedures, but it’s important to remember that your screening colonoscopy may be essential for good health.

COVID-19 Delays Elective Procedures

Did your colonoscopy get delayed because of the pandemic? With the resurgence of COVID-19, many hospitals are reallocating resources and delaying elective procedures like colonoscopy.

The term “elective” does not refer to the importance of the procedure. Instead, it simply distinguishes between surgeries that are for emergencies and those you can schedule in advance.

For example, knee replacements and non-emergency hernia repairs are considered elective because they could be scheduled for a future date. Screening colonoscopies are also considered elective. However, just because a procedure is labeled elective, doesn’t mean you should elect not to have it. You should schedule it when you can.

Colonoscopy Is Essential Preventive Care

Screening colonoscopy may be essential for your health because it can allow for early detection and removal of potentially cancerous polyps. According to the new guidelines of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, adults who are at average risk for colon cancer should begin screening at age 45.

Young-onset colon cancer is on the rise in the United States, and younger people tend to have more aggressive tumors that may be more difficult to treat. Having your regular colonoscopy at recommended intervals helps ensure that your doctor can detect and treat any developing polyps before they become cancerous.

Consider an Ambulatory Surgery Center for Colonoscopy

Even though hospitals have delayed colonoscopies and other procedures and surgeries, you may have another option. Scheduling your colonoscopy at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) may be a good choice for several reasons:

  • Outpatient surgery centers are dedicated to specific procedures, not emergency or trauma, so your procedure may be less likely to be affected.
  • ASCs are smaller than hospitals and have convenient parking.
  • Your procedure may be less expensive at an ASC.
  • Many patients say that ASCs feel comfortable and more like home.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy Before Your Deductible Resets

Have you met your deductible already? Schedule your colonoscopy before the end of the calendar year to take full advantage of your health plan’s benefits. Your deductible will reset in January, so contact your insurance company to verify your status.

Find a Gastroenterologist in Your Area

Our fellowship-trained gastroenterologists perform colonoscopy screenings at ambulatory surgery centers around the country. Click here to enter your zip code and locate a GI specialist near you. Then, put a colonoscopy on the top of your list to complete by the year’s end.

Take our short quiz to see if you are eligible for a free or low-cost colonoscopy.

Colon Cancer Screening Is Critical for African Americans

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No one looks forward to colon cancer screenings, but they are an essential part of preventive care. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but regular screenings can detect cancer in the early stages and even prevent the disease.

What Is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a growth that begins in the colon, also known as the large intestine. Most colon cancers start as polyps, tiny growths that form on the inner lining of the colon. Fortunately, both colon cancer and precancerous polyps can be detected and removed by a GI doctor during a colonoscopy.

African Americans Are at Increased Risk of Colon Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer rates are higher among African Americans than any other racial and ethnic group in the United States. Compared to other groups, African Americans are 20 percent more likely to develop colon cancer and 40 percent more likely to die from the disease. Studies also show African Americans are at higher risk of developing polyps on the right side of the colon, which are often more challenging to detect.

Common Barriers to Colon Cancer Screenings

Research sheds light on barriers that may prevent people from getting screened. Fear of discomfort, cost, and lack of time are among the top reasons African American individuals have reported for delaying colonoscopy or avoiding the procedure altogether. Here’s a look at each of these reasons, along with an explanation of why they shouldn’t stop you from having this potentially life-saving screening.

I Am Worried a Colonoscopy Will Be Uncomfortable

Patients are sedated during colonoscopy, and the entire procedure can take less than an hour, so you won’t have to worry about discomfort. Colonoscopy allows a gastroenterologist to examine the entire colon and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer. Among all colon cancer screening methods, colonoscopy is the most effective test for both detecting and preventing cancer.

I’m Concerned a Colonoscopy Will Be Too Expensive

If you haven’t been screened before, you may believe that getting tested is very expensive. However, due to the Affordable Care Act, most screening colonoscopies are free and don’t include a deductible or out-of-pocket payment. We recommend you talk with your doctor’s office about colonoscopy coverage since there are some requirements such as age, prior history of polyps, etc. You also have the right to choose where you want to have your colonoscopy, and StopColonCancer.org can help you find a location nearby.

I Can’t Spare the Time It Takes for a Colonoscopy

Putting off your screening may increase your risk for colon cancer. Young-onset colon cancer is on the rise, especially in the Black community. It may seem like work, family and life’s demands are more critical, but nothing is more essential than your health.

The Importance of Colon Cancer Screening

All adults at average risk for colon cancer should get a baseline screening at age 45, but individuals with a family history of colon cancer should get screened earlier. It is also important that patients who develop symptoms that may be due to colon cancer (e.g., altered bowel habits, rectal bleeding or abdominal pain) seek medical attention, regardless of age.

Locate a Gastroenterologist Near You

Have you been putting off getting screened because of the cost, your schedule or general uncertainty? A colon cancer screening is one of the most important  gifts you can give your family. Your loved ones want you to be healthy and cancer-free, so make an appointment today.

We can help you find a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your area. Click here to find a list of our GI centers nationwide.

Hispanics Are Less Likely to Get Screened for Colon Cancer

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Colon cancer screening rates are significantly lower among Hispanic Americans than non-Hispanic whites among adults over 50, putting Hispanics at increased risk for advanced-stage colon cancer.

What Is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a growth that begins in the colon, also known as the large intestine. Most colon cancers start as a polyp, a tiny growth that forms in the colon’s inner lining.

Hispanics and Colon Cancer Statistics

According to the National Colon Cancer Roundtable, one in two Hispanic adults between 50 and 75 years of age are not getting tested as recommended. Because of lower screening rates, colon cancer causes about 11 percent of cancer deaths among Hispanic males and nine percent of Hispanic females.

Common Myths about Colon Cancer and Colonoscopies

There are many myths surrounding colon cancer and colon cancer screening. Often, these myths prevent people from getting screened. Here are some common misconceptions and concerns about colon cancer and colon cancer screening, along with facts about the disease and this life-saving procedure:

Myth Truth
“I don’t need to go to the doctor because I feel fine
and don’t have symptoms of colon cancer.”		 Colon cancer usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages.
“Colonoscopies take too much time. I will miss work, and I can’t afford that.” You will only need to miss one day of work for a colonoscopy. There are also other options for colon cancer screening that do not require you to miss any work.
“A colonoscopy is too expensive.” Insurance covers colonoscopy screenings. There are many ways to get a low-cost or free colonoscopy.
“A colonoscopy is dangerous.” The risk of injury during a colonoscopy is low. Not getting screened at all puts you at high risk for a deadly disease.
“Doctors just want money. They don’t care about my health.” GI physicians are focused on saving lives. Your doctor will want you to feel comfortable and confident about your upcoming procedure, so write down your questions and concerns about colon cancer screening and discuss them with your doctor.
“It’s embarrassing to get a colonoscopy.” GI physicians and their teams are accustomed to performing colonoscopies all the time, so there’s no need to be embarrassed! A colonoscopy is the best way to prevent colon cancer, and if you get a clean bill of health, you may only have to repeat the test every 10 years.
“I don’t understand the procedure. I don’t feel like I’m in control.” Ask your provider for information, like pamphlets or websites, to help you understand more about the procedure.

Importance of Quality Colon Cancer Screening

The best way to prevent colon cancer is to get screened. The American Cancer Society suggests that all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. There are two basic screening methods:

  1. Colonoscopy—A colonoscopy is the most effective screening test to prevent and detect colon cancer. This screening uses a narrow, lighted tube with a camera to view your colon and rectum. You will be asleep during the procedure. Your doctor can remove colon polyps during the exam, and this can help prevent you from getting colon cancer. If your test result is normal, you will likely not need another colonoscopy for ten years.
  2. Stool test—You can perform a stool test, such as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), at home. A stool test may detect small amounts of blood that you cannot see. Blood in the stool can sometimes indicate colon cancer. You can receive a kit that allows you to collect a small amount of stool and send it to a lab to test it for hidden blood. If your test is positive, you will have to get a colonoscopy. Depending on the results, you may have to repeat the stool test every year.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death among Hispanic men and women in the US. It doesn’t have to be! Regular screening starting at age 45 can often help prevent cancer or find it early when it’s small and easier to treat.

Are you due for a colon cancer screening but don’t know where to begin? Click here to locate a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your area. Our doctors and nurses are kind and compassionate, and they will patiently answer your questions about colon cancer screening.

Your family loves you and wants you to live a long, healthy life. Good health begins with a colon cancer screening. Call today to make an appointment.

Family History of Colon Cancer? Get Screened Early

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Does colon cancer run in your family? If so, you could be eligible for a free or low-cost screening colonoscopy before the age of 50.

Adults who are at average risk for colon cancer should get a baseline colonoscopy at 50 years of age, but if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, you should be screened earlier.  A family history of colon cancer is defined as having a first degree relative (mother, father, sister or brother) with colon cancer, precancerous polyps or cancerous polyps.

How do I find out if I am eligible for a free or low-cost screening colonoscopy?

If you meet these criteria, there are specific steps that you should take so that you can be eligible for a free or low-cost screening colonoscopy before the age of 50.

  1. Find out what age your first-degree relative was diagnosed with colon cancer or polyps.
  2. Talk to your primary care physician and say, “My __________ (mother, father, sister or brother) was diagnosed with colon cancer/polyps at the age of ___.  I need to have ‘family history of colon cancer and/or polyps’ added into my medical records.” The records should include the family member(s) and the age(s).
  3. Call your insurance provider and convey the same information. Ask the representative to notate this information in your records.
  4. Ask your insurance provider if you have colonoscopy screening benefits in your policy. This benefit may vary among policies even within the same provider. Not all private insurance has colonoscopy screening benefits, and it is up to you to find out before you schedule your colonoscopy.
  5. Ask your insurance provider, “At what age am I eligible for screening benefits?” Some policies may allow you a screening colonoscopy at the same age as your first-degree relative was diagnosed with colon cancer or polyps, and some policies may allow you to have a screening performed earlier.
  6. Ask your insurance provider, “How much it will cost if the gastroenterologist finds a polyp in during my colonoscopy?” Polyp removal and biopsy often do not fall under “screening” so they may be filed under “medical.”  This would affect your financial responsibility, althought pathology (tests on the polyp(s) removed) is usually not exceptaionally expensive and is a small price to pay for preventing cancer!  Also important, ask whether the colonoscopy would change from a screening colonoscopy to a diagnostic colonoscopy if a polyp is discovered and how that may affect your payment.

When your doctor and insurance provider are aware of your family history and you are aware of your benefits, you can now safely schedule your colonoscopy.

How much will my colonoscopy cost me?

When there is a family history of colon cancer or polyps, some insurance providers pay 100 percent of colonoscopy screenings. Others may pay 80 percent or 90 percent, so be aware of your portion of the cost-share. Remember that all coverage and cost-sharing questions are policy-specific and only your health care provider can answer these questions for you. As tempting as it is to ask a friend, “How much was your colonoscopy?” remember that your benefits are specific to your plan.

Having a family history of colon cancer may be enough to qualify you for a free or low-cost colonoscopy under your health plan. It is essential that you initiate the process by asking the right questions and having proper documentation in your medical records and health plan records. Talk to your doctor and insurance provider so you can have a colonoscopy screening when the time is right for you. Most colon cancer is very treatable when found in the early stages, and early screening means prevention, early detection and early treatment!

Prioritize Your Colon Health for the Sake of Your Family

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We all have loved ones who need us in their lives – those who rely on us and can’t wait until we can all safely gather together again once the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. You owe it to your family to take care of your health.

Colonoscopies and Colon Cancer Prevention

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it is mostly preventable with regular colonoscopies. A screening colonoscopy is a necessary form of preventive care because it can detect and prevent colon cancer. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, removing cancer-causing polyps during a colonoscopy can lower the risk of death from colorectal cancer by 53 percent.

Even though research proves colonoscopies save lives, millions of Americans are not getting screened at proper intervals. As a result of COVID-19, colorectal screenings dropped significantly in 2020, with an 86 percent decline compared to averages before February 2020. This screening disruption translates to more undiagnosed cases of colorectal cancer for longer periods. Up to 10,000 more deaths are projected over the next decade as a consequence of postponed screenings.

Most cases of colon cancer are preventable with routine screening colonoscopies. There are misconceptions around this quick, painless procedure, and unfortunately, that causes many people to avoid getting screened. A few common myths are:

  • Colonoscopies are painful
  • Colon screenings take too much time
  • Colonoscopy prep is unbearable
  • Colonoscopies are too expensive

Here’s the reality:

  • Colonoscopies are relatively painless
  • The procedure itself lasts only around a half-hour, and you’ll likely only need to take one day off of work for the entire screening process
  • Bowel prep has improved tremendously over the years
  • Insurance covers many screening procedures

After clearing up those misconceptions, having a life-saving colonoscopy doesn’t sound that bad, does it?

Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines

The American Cancer Society suggests all adults who are at average risk for colon cancer have an initial colon cancer screening at 45 years of age. Specific individuals are at higher risk for colon cancer due to family history, so talk to your GI doctor about when to begin screening.

Let us Help You Find a GI Specialist

Have you delayed or canceled your screening colonoscopy? Your loved ones want you to be around for many years to come, so it’s crucial to reschedule the procedure you may have delayed.

You are not the only one who cares about your health. Your family and friends want the best for you.  Give those who love you peace of mind by scheduling a screening colonoscopy today. Use our physician locator tool to find a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your area.

Find a Gastroenterologist Near Me

Seek Care in Fighting Colorectal Cancer

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Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but most cases are preventable with routine colonoscopies. According to AMSURG, a leading national healthcare group, more than 200,000 colonoscopies were missed in 2020. Therefore, it is essential to schedule a colon cancer screening for early detection and treatment.

March is Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness Month, a time to learn how to prevent and detect colorectal cancer. Anyone can develop colon cancer, regardless of age, gender or fitness level.

Begin Colon Cancer Screenings at Age 45

AMSURG, a leading national medical group with the most extensive and comprehensive tracking system of colon cancer screenings in the nation, encourages individuals who are at average risk to begin routine screenings at age 45 and not to delay essential screenings because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When detected early, CRC can be easier to treat, and patients often have better outcomes. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 150,000 people will be diagnosed with CRC in 2021. Although the rate of people being diagnosed with CRC has dropped in recent years, the incidence among young adults is increasing. According to AMSURG data, pre-cancerous polyps have been found in one out of every four patients who have undergone a colonoscopy since 2019.

Every Month Counts with Colon Cancer

“Every year, every month counts with CRC,” said Brenda Thompson Green, AMSURG employee. “Four years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 46. Had I been encouraged to get screened a year earlier, there’s the potential that I could have had a much more positive outcome and not required such intense treatment. I am alive today because I listened to my body, sought the appropriate care and received a screening colonoscopy at the suggestion of my physician. Until the screening age is more broadly accepted, I cannot stress how important it is for people to know their family history, understand the symptoms and not delay care.”

What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a comprehensive procedure in which physicians can detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous. Colonoscopies are instrumental in helping people maintain their health and quality of life.

CRC does not disappear during a pandemic. In 2021, AMSURG revealed that more than 200,000 patients missed their colonoscopies, and based on statistical expectations, approximately 900 of these people would have CRC.

It is essential to be aware of the symptoms of colon cancer: a persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool, rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, persistent abdominal discomfort like cramps, gas or pain, or a feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy at an AMSURG GI Center

The best decision you can make this month is to educate yourself and your family about the importance of a quality colonoscopy. With 255 surgery centers in 34 states, we are ready to serve you with compassionate, quality care.

“At our centers, we provide patients essential care and support the health of communities – even during a pandemic,” said John Popp, MD, Medical Director for AMSURG. “We continue to adhere to rigorous quality and safety measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 exposure.”

Click here to find a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your area.