Colorectal Cancer: Does It Affect Everyone Equally?
July 29, 2024
If you could take a simple, painless test in the privacy of your own home that could save your life, wouldn’t you do it? Of course you would—especially if the test is covered by insurance. Unfortunately, however, far too many people die from colon cancer, which is highly preventable. Chadwick Boseman, star of “Black Panther,” died at age 43. In fact, the incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer has been rising since 2021. To address this alarming trend, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the age—from 50 to 45—at which people at moderate risk should undergo regular screenings. If detected early, colon cancer is treatable and curable. If it’s detected late, the survival rate drops from 91% to 13%. However, the risk is not the same for everyone.
Celebrities such as comedian George López and musician Will.I.Am have joined the nonprofit organization Stand Up to Cancer to raise awareness about the deadly statistics, which are particularly concerning when it comes to African Americans and Latinos:
Since there are few or no symptoms in the early stages, no one can assume they don’t have colon cancer. Now for the good news: Colorectal cancer is highly treatable if detected early, and screening options have never been easier. A colonoscopy is no longer the only option. Options include:
People over the age of 45 should continue to get regular colorectal cancer screenings at least until age 75, even if they seem healthy. This is especially true if you are Black or Latino.
The costs of colorectal cancer screening are covered by both private insurance and Medicare. That means you shouldn’t have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses, such as copayments or deductibles. So don’t wait. If you’re 45 or older and haven’t been screened, call your primary care doctor to schedule an appointment and discuss the screening options that are best for you. You can also call 866-909-DOCS for more information. Chances are, you can take a simple at-home test to screen for colon cancer that could save your life.
For more information about Providence’s partnership with Stand Up To Cancer to raise awareness about colon cancer, visit https://www.providence.org/lp/stand-up-to-cancer.
