Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States. But if everyone age fifty or older had regular screening tests, at least one third of deaths from this disease could be avoided. The U.S. Center for Disease Control is sponsoring the “Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign” whose mission is to empower Medicare recipients to have the three colorectal screening tests described below.

Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon (large intestine or bowel) or rectum (the passageway connecting the colon to the anus.) It usually starts as a polyp (a growth that shouldn’t be there) that, over time, turns into cancer. Screening tests can find polyps and remove them before they become cancerous. Screening can also find cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage.

Colorectal cancer occurs most often in men and women of any racial or ethnic group who are age fifty and older. The risk increases with age. Your risk may be higher than average if you or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.

Polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms --especially at first. But, if there are symptoms, they may include the following: blood in or on your stool, stomach aches or cramps for no apparent reason, a change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss. As these symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer, the only way to know the cause is to see your doctor.

What screening tests do Medicare (and its HMOs) cover?

Fecal Occult Blood Test or Stool Test -- Sometimes your doctor does this as part of a routine exam. If not, you can do this at home using a kit you get from your health care provider. You put a very small stool sample on a test card and return the card to the doctor or a laboratory to be checked for hidden (occult) blood in the stool. Medicare covers this test once per year; you pay nothing.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy – The doctor puts a short, thin flexible, lighted tube into your rectum to check for polyps or cancer in the rectum and lower part of the colon. Medicare covers this every four years; you pay 20%-25% of Medicare approved amount after yearly Part B deductible.

Colonoscopy – This is similar to flexible sigmoidoscopy, except that the doctor uses a longer tube to check for polyps in the rectum and the entire colon. Medicare covers this every 10 years if you are not at high risk for colorectal cancer – more frequently if you are at high risk or if another screening test is positive. You pay 20%-25% of Medicare approved amount after yearly Part B deductible.

Medicare HMOs are required to cover the same procedures as Medicare-fee-for service. If your doctor doesn’t recommend these tests – ask for them. Take control of your health! Your life depends on it!

If you would like a brochure on the subject, call Senior Information and Assistance at: 1-800-510-2020.

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