Early Detection Can Help Beat Colorectal Cancer

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.