There is great news for those concerned about colon cancer. Physicians know that colon cancer screening saves lives. Yet an estimated 148,000 Americans, both women and males, are identified with colorectal cancer each year, and every year around 55,000 will die-the nation's 2nd most dangerous cancer. Yet, it's believed most https://healtheri.com/ of these deaths could be prevented through appropriate screening.
However, specialists from the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) caution that too couple of Americans are getting evaluated. Colorectal screening rates remain very low, although Medicare and numerous personal plans pay for screening tests.
In spite of increasing public awareness of colon cancer screening tests through the efforts of Katie Couric and others, many individuals continue to deal with barriers to screening. Even Medicare recipients, for whom incidence and death from the disease are highest, encounter problems with access to screening 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), promises to get rid of Medicare's barriers to screening," states ACG President Dr. Jack A. DiPalma of Mobile, Alabama. "However just 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 gotten rid of, really avoiding the development of colon cancer.
"With enhanced use of colon cancer screening, we can conserve lives," adds Dr. DiPalma.
The College currently recommends colonoscopy every 10 years beginning at age 50 for average-risk people as the preferred screening strategy to prevent colon cancer.
For clients with higher danger factors such as a household history of colon cancer or a previous personal history of polyps, and for African Americans, ACG recommends earlier and/or more frequent screening with colonoscopy.