Colorectal Cancer Screenings Save Lives
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women. It is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. When colorectal cancer is found early, it can often be cured. As your partner in health, Blue KC encourages you to get regular screenings.
The American Cancer Society recommends that average-risk adults aged 45 years and older undergo regular screening with either a colonoscopy or stool based test – based on their degree of risk, personal preferences, and test availability.
As a part of the screening process, all positive results on non-colonoscopy screening tests should be followed up with a timely colonoscopy.
Your Colorectal Screening Options
Stool-based tests
- Fecal immunochemical test every year
- High-sensitivity, guaiac-based fecal occult blood test every year
- Multitarget stool DNA test every 3 years
Structural examinations
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
- CT colonography every 5 years
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
Wondering which screening is right for you?
Please consult with your provider to determine the most appropriate screening for your health needs. And as always, reach out to Customer Service for any benefits-related questions. You’ll find that number on your member ID card.
Resources
https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.3322/caac.21457