The importance of colon cancer screening — and how it’s covered

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S.¹

This year, more than 158,000 new cases of the disease are expected. Colorectal cancer is also one of the leading causes of cancer-related death for both men and women.¹ Potentially compounding that prevalence, new research claims roughly 45 million people are overdue for colorectal cancer screening.²

“Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S., but it can often be prevented — in fact, the overall rate of new cases has been dropping by about 1% every year¹ due to testing,” said Dr. Ravi Johar, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare. “Still, colon cancer among people under age 50 has been increasing, which is why it is so essential for anyone age 45 and up to get screened.”

To help you understand the risks — and the importance of screening — here are a few things you should know about colorectal cancer.  

Simply put, getting screened for colorectal cancer is the best way to prevent its onset.³ In 2021, the recommended age to begin screening was lowered from 50 to 45, due to an alarming rise in cases of colorectal cancer in those younger than 50.⁴

Screening can help diagnose colorectal cancer at an early stage – when treatment works best.⁵

It’s estimated that 90% of people whose colorectal cancers are found early and treated are still alive five years later.⁶

Screenings are important because they can help detect polyps – abnormal growths that can be removed before they turn into cancer.⁷

The first step is to talk to your doctor about what kind of test might be best for you. It can vary based on your own health and genetics, as well as when you were tested last. Some of the types of testing may include: 

• Stool tests: There are two types of home stool tests recommended for people who are at low- or average-risk for colon cancer. One is administered every three years at home and uses a combination of blood detection and DNA testing. A more common test is the annual test to detect blood in the stool, called the fecal occult blood test (FOBT). For individuals at high risk for colon cancer, with a strong family history, or genetic predisposition, the home stool tests are not recommended.⁵
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This test involves checking for polyps inside the rectum and the lower third of the colon with a thin tube. It’s usually recommended for every five years, or every 10 years, depending on previous screenings.⁵
• Screening colonoscopy: Similar to a sigmoidoscopy, the doctor uses a thin tube but checks the rectum and all of the colon. This may act as a follow-up test if other tests have found anything unusual. Doctors may also be able to remove any polyps detected during the procedure. Generally, a screening colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years.⁵

Colorectal cancer doesn’t always have symptoms,⁵ particularly at the early stages of the disease. This is why it’s so important to get screened appropriately. When symptoms do show, it might include:⁸

• Blood in the stool
• Stomachaches that persist
• Sudden or unexplained weight loss
• Persistent change in your bowel habits

If any of these health issues are present, consider seeing a doctor.

If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, your doctor might recommend getting screened earlier. It’s also worth talking to your doctor about earlier screenings if you have a bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent panel of medical experts, makes recommendations about preventive services to help improve the health of individuals nationwide.⁹  Their recommendations are evidence-based and include input from partners, stakeholders and the public. USPSTF routinely reviews them and makes updates as necessary. In 2021, they recommended colorectal cancer screenings for individuals at average risk start at age 45.¹⁰

In addition to USPSTF, other organizations including the American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians and the American Cancer Society, provide recommendations for when to begin colorectal cancer screening.¹¹ While there is some variation as to what age screenings should happen for individuals at a high risk, there is general consensus that for those at average risk the recommended age is 45.

Medicare will cover several types of colorectal cancer screening tests including screening colonoscopies.

Your health plan may also cover additional screening choices. The test you choose may depend on your health, risk factors and personal comfort level with getting screened. The important thing is to talk to your doctor who can help you decide which route is best for you — and can help ensure it’s done regularly.

To find out more about the screening options available to you, call the phone number on the back of your member ID card or chat with member services through UHC.com or the UnitedHealthcare app®.

Some UnitedHealthcare plans include screening options that can be done at home. Your doctor can help determine if an at-home test is a better screening option for you.

Colorectal cancer is treatable in the early stages of diagnosis but as the cancer progresses, it may be more difficult to cure. Getting tested for colorectal cancer doesn’t have to be scary. The more information you know, the better, so if you have questions about what screening is best for you, talk to your doctor.