Colorectal cancer: Does it hit everyone equally?
July 29, 2024
If you could perform a simple, painless test in the privacy of your own home that could save your life, wouldn’t you do it? Of course, especially if the test is covered by insurance. Unfortunately, however, far too many people die from colon cancer, which is very preventable. Chadwick Boseman, star of “Black Panther,” has died at age 43. In fact, the incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer has increased since 2021. To address this alarming trend, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the age – from 50 to 45 – for average-risk individuals to undergo regular screenings. If you catch it early, colon cancer is treatable and beatable. If you catch it late, survival drops from 91% to 13%. However, the risk is not the same for everyone.
Celebrities such as comedian George Lopez and musician Will.I.Am. have teamed up with the non-profit organization Stand Up to Cancer to raise awareness of the deadly statistics, which are especially troubling when it comes to African-Americans and Latinos:
Since there are few, if any, symptoms in the early stages, no one can take for granted that they do not have colon cancer. Now for the good news: Colorectal cancer is very treatable if caught early, and there have never been easier screening options. Colonoscopy is no longer the only option. Options include:
People over the age of 45 should continue to have regular colorectal cancer screenings until at least age 75, even if they appear healthy. This is especially true if you are black or Latino.
Colorectal cancer screening costs are covered by both private insurance and Medicare. That means you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket expenses, such as co-pays or deductibles. So don’t wait. If you’re 45 or older and haven’t been screened, call your primary care physician to make an appointment to discuss what screening options are right for you. You can also call 866-909-DOCS for more information. Chances are you can perform a simple, life-saving colon cancer screening test at home.
For more information about Providence’s partnership with Stand Up To Cancer for colon cancer awareness, visit. https://www.providence.org/lp/stand-up-to-cancer.
