Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., affecting
both men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, and is most common among people
aged 50 and older. It is the third most common cancer for men. For
women, it is the second most common cancer among Asians and Hispanics, and
the third most common cancer among whites, blacks, and American Indians/Alaska Natives.
The CDC estimates that if everybody aged 50 or older had regular
screening tests, as many as 60 percent of deaths from colorectal cancer
could be prevented.*
Colorectal cancer screening can find abnormal growths in the colon or rectum
so that they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find
colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment often leads to a cure. If you
are aged 50 or older, talk to your doctor about getting screened.
See risk factors.
*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Colorectal (Colon)
Cancer. Available at:
www.cdc.gov. Accessed December 18, 2009.
Medicare covers the following preventive services for colorectal cancer:
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Screening
|
How often?
|
Copay and deductible
|
|
Fecal Occult Blood Test
|
Once every 12 months
|
|
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Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
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Once every 48 months
|
-
20% of Medicare-approved amount with no Part B deductible, or
-
25% of the Medicare-approved amount if conducted in hospital outpatient department
or an ambulatory surgical center
|
|
Screening Colonoscopy
|
Once every 24 months (if you're at high risk); once every 10 years, but not
within 48 months of a screening sigmoidoscopy (if you're not at high risk)
|
-
20% of Medicare-approved amount with no Part B deductible, or
-
25% of the Medicare-approved amount if conducted in hospital outpatient department
or an ambulatory surgical center
|
|
Barium Enema
|
Your doctor can decide to use this test instead of a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.
This test is covered every 24 months if you are at high risk for colorectal cancer
and every 48 months if you aren't at high risk.
|
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Toolkits
Resources for Medicare Beneficiaries
Resources for Healthcare Providers
Web-based Resources