There is great news for those worried about colon cancer. Physicians know that colon cancer screening conserves lives. Yet an estimated 148,000 Americans, both ladies and guys, are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, and every year around 55,000 will die-the country's 2nd most dangerous cancer. Yet, it's believed the majority of these deaths could be avoided through correct screening.
Nevertheless, professionals from the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) alert that too few Americans are getting evaluated. Colorectal screening rates remain really low, despite the fact that Medicare and many private plans pay for screening tests.
Despite increasing public awareness of colon cancer screening tests through the efforts of Katie Couric and others, many people continue to deal with challenges to screening. Even Medicare beneficiaries, for whom occurrence and death from the illness are highest, encounter problems with access to evaluating colonoscopy.
Congress Can Help
" Pending legislation in the U.S. Congress, such as the Colon Cancer Screen for Life Act (S. 1010/ H.R. 1632), assures to eliminate Medicare's barriers to screening," states ACG https://healtheri.com President Dr. Jack A. DiPalma of Mobile, Alabama. "However only one small enhancement, the waiver of the Medicare deductible, was authorized for 2006, so much remains to be done."
Research suggests that colon cancer develops from precancerous developments or polyps that grow in the colon. When discovered early, these developments or polyps can be eliminated, in fact avoiding the development of colon cancer.
"With improved usage of colon cancer screening, we can save lives," adds Dr. DiPalma.
The College currently suggests colonoscopy every ten years beginning at age 50 for average-risk people as the preferred screening technique to prevent colon cancer.
For clients with greater danger elements such as a family history of colon cancer or a previous personal history of polyps, and for African Americans, ACG suggests previously and/or more regular screening with colonoscopy.