Early Detection Can Help Beat
Colorectal Cancer
According
to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most
common cancer diagnosed in American men and women. Increased screening
has largely reduced the number of colorectal cancer cases and related
deaths over the past 15 years.
Promote Routine Screening
Screenings
can detect colorectal cancer in its early stages, when it is easier to
treat. Screenings can also find and remove polyps before they turn into
cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends the screenings listed below on a regular basis for all adults ages 50 and over. (Patients with a history of risk factors,
including chronic inflammatory bowel disease or a personal or family
history of colorectal cancer or cancer syndromes, should have earlier
or more frequent screenings.)
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
- Annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
- Annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy (FSIG) every five years
Other
tests, such as stool DNA, are considered investigational because of
their undefined role in screening and because of limited evidence of
their effectiveness. These tests are not covered by EmblemHealth, GHI
or HIP. Tests with a secondary role in screening, such as CT
colonoscopy, require prior approval. To request prior approval, log on
to our
provider home page at
emblemhealth.com and select "Precertfications/Prior Approvals.