Did you know that more than 50,000 Americans will be dying from colorectal cancer this year?
There is still hope.
Many cases of colorectal carcinoma can be prevented. The American Cancer Society (ACS), almost all of these types of cancer can be prevented. “polyps”– Any growths within the colon or in the rectum. Screening is recommended for people over 50 to detect and remove cancerous growths before they progress.
Many adults opt not to be tested due to cultural stigmas, discomfort, and the high cost of traditional colonoscopy. New options are available. Federal law now requires private insurers to cover this. “virtual colonoscopy”Also known as CT colonography. CIGNA, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield have all covered this ACS-recommended examination for some time.
Virtual colonoscopy is less invasive than its traditional counterpart. While it requires some laxative preparations, virtual colonoscopy does not require any sedation. Patients can return to work immediately after surgery, with little or no recovery time. It is also as accurate as a standard colectomy and costs less. It is not surprising that this test increases screening rates.
How it works: Radiologists use high-tech, low dose X-rays in order to produce 3D moving images of the colon. This is used by doctors when they examine for signs and polyps. Only after a colonoscopy or surgery is performed can you proceed to have cancers or polyps removed.
Medicare does not yet cover virtual colonoscopy. Patients, advocates for minority health and medical societies have urged Medicare to cover the test.
“Colorectal cancer screening through less invasive options like CT colonography is appealing to patients, especially the Medicare population,”Anne Carlson, executive Director of the Colon Cancer Coalition. “Covering this patient-centered option will help save lives.”
Virtual colonoscopy may be more attractive and accessible to those who are eligible for insurance. According to ACS statistics, African-Americans in rural areas, Hispanics, and Hispanics are less likely than Caucasians to have their colonoscopies performed. Rural residents and African-Americans are more likely than Caucasians to get and die of colorectal Cancer. U.S. Hispanics have their cancers detected later because they are less likely to get screened. U.S. Hispanics are actually more likely to die of this disease than people from many Central- or South American countries.
These communities, and others nationwide, could benefit from expanded coverage for affordable, less-invasive screening.
For more information, visit www.radiologyinfo.org/VirtualCT.
