Follow John
Email John Email
Health Care
Feb 28, 2022

Understanding your health insurance benefits: Colonoscopies can do more than screen for colorectal cancer, the gold standard in screening. The procedure can prevent cancer, too

Sponsored Content provided by John Poulos, M.D. - Gastroenterologist, Fayetteville Gastroenterology Associates

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancer diagnoses for men and women in the United States, but it can be very successfully treated when caught early. Despite this, colorectal cancer continues to be the second most common cause of cancer death in the country, according to the American Cancer Society. 

 

This March, which is Colorectal Cancer Month, we have an important message for people who have been putting off their screening: For your health and your peace of mind, get screened sooner rather than later. You should also understand how to best use your health insurance plan’s coverage for preventative screenings.

 

For people who are in good health and at average risk, the American Cancer Society recommends screening beginning at age 45 and then once every 10 years if there are no other indications. After age 75, screening becomes something that should only be done as needed, based on individual circumstances and health history.

 

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum, and often produces no early symptoms. Most colorectal cancers start as a polyp, a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. The gold standard for screening for these polyps is a colonoscopy because during the procedure, if a precancerous polyp is found, it can be removed. Symptoms of colorectal cancer include new abdominal pain or weight loss, blood in or on the stool, as well as other changes in stool and bowel habits.

 

African Americans are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, though socioeconomic disparities may play a role in the increased risk. Decreased access to care, and failure of early detection and treatment means worse outcomes. African and Hispanic Americans are less likely to be able to get prompt follow-up after an abnormal screening result, so they are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage cancer. 

 

However, with regular screenings, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, because we can remove the precancerous lesions before they turn into cancer. Everyone should follow the guidelines and get their screenings starting at age 45. 

 

People should try to get a colonoscopy, because it’s the only screening that is also preventative. However, any screening is better than no screening at all. There are several types of non-invasive screening kits that are marketed to the public. These are only for people who are at average risk. 

 

It should be pointed out that when at-home screening kits are positive, that indicates that a colonoscopy is still needed. If a person has used an at-home test, then the follow-up colonoscopy is often no longer covered as a free annual screening under their insurance. If the patient initially undergoes screening with colonoscopy, then that is considered preventative screening and is fully covered by most insurance.

 

The cost for one colonoscopy every ten years is less than three at-home test kits in the same period. The at-home tests are only good for three years before you need another one, because they are not as good of a screening tool as a colonoscopy.

 

It’s understandable why most people aren’t excited to get a colonoscopy, but there is good news for people who have been avoiding getting screened because of fear of the procedure: The preparation process for colonoscopies has gotten a lot better than it used to be. The anesthesia we use is much better, too. Just like other screening measures to keep you healthy, remember to get a colonoscopy when it’s time. This is one of few tests that have been shown to prevent cancer. Unfortunately, only 30 to 40 percent of patients who are eligible for colorectal cancer screenings are actually being screened.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many elective procedures being put on hold, and this has led to a substantial decline in cancer screening. Healthcare facilities are providing cancer screening during the pandemic with many safety precautions in place. Talk to your doctor about what steps you can take to plan, schedule and get your regular cancer screenings.

Join The Discussion

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
tom-keith-associates-inc alex-keith headshott

Fayetteville Apartment Rental Data Reflects Need for More Multi-Family Developments

Alex Keith - Certified General Real Estate Appraiser and Property Manager, Tom Keith & Associates, Inc.
teamlogicit jaron-cayton headshott

Help Employees Spot Spear Phishing with These Training and Testing Tips

Jaron Cayton - President, TeamLogicIT
pappas-commercial-properties peter-pappas headshott

Negotiating Is An Art

Peter Pappas - President, Pappas Commercial Properties
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

Summer in the gardens: Taking a look at the current and future displays and events as the Cape Fear Botanical Garden kicks off the summer season

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAPE FEAR BOTANICAL GARDENCFBG is connecting local history and agriculture with NASCAR with their Horticulture, Hooch & Outlaws in Fast Cars exhibiton display until August 20.New activities, events and day trips are coming up fo


The Cozy Heron: Lillington "glamping" experience allows for a comfortable yet unforgettable time in the great outdoors

Each individual wagon is eight and a half feet tall, twenty-five feet long, and contains one hundred and eighty squarefeet of space to relax in - Photo provided by Cape Fear River AdventuresSummer is approaching rapidly in North Carolina, and we all


C&S Ice: Family owned mobile food stand brings a northern frozen treat to beat the southern heat

Carla (left) and Sean Stansberry, (right)are the team behind C&S Ice, workingtogether to make all of their food byhand and with care - Photos provided by GFBJC&S has loyal fans of all ages who travel to meet them at their location for the day