My insurance company already covers colorectal cancer screening. Why do we need a National Screening Program?

A National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will make it possible for low-income, uninsured and under-insured Americans between the ages of 50 and 64 to get screened for colorectal cancer at little or no cost (Medicare covers colonoscopies for its recipients aged 65 and older). It is estimated that this prevention program will save Medicare money, because Medicare will cover fewer older Americans with late stage disease (when it is at its most expensive) due to the fact that they were screened earlier, while they were still in the Medicaid program.

This legislation will not have an impact on Americans who have colorectal cancer screenings covered through their private insurance.

How much will my taxes go up if this legislation passes?

Most likely, Americans will not see a significant increase in taxes if a National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program is created. In fact, significant savings to the Medicare program may actually help decrease costs to the American people.

Who should get screened for colorectal cancer?

By finding and removing precancerous polyps (adenomas) that can develop into cancer, colorectal cancer can be stopped before it ever starts.

Every adult age 50 and older should be screened for colorectal cancer. If you have symptoms, or if your health or family history puts you at higher risk, talk to your doctor.

Learn more about colorectal cancer screening.

Where can I get a free colonoscopy?

At this point, there is no National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program that provides free or reduced-cost colorectal cancer screenings. However, some states, cities and even hospitals do have programs that help needy patients get access to colorectal cancer screenings. To find out more, call the C3 Answer Line at 877-427-2111.

Why are you only focusing on screening people 50 and older?

The US Preventive Services Task Force balances risk and benefit in making their recommendations. They have determined that the risks of screening before 50 outweigh the benefits.

Everyone needs to assess their personal and family health histories to determine if they are at greater risk and need to begin surveillance earlier and do it more often.

It is important to remember that anyone at any age with symptoms of colorectal cancer needs to be evaluated to rule out colorectal cancer.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer are:

• A change in bowel habits.
• Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool.
• Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
• Stools that are narrower than usual.
• General abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps).
• Weight loss with no known reason.
• Constant tiredness or anemia that cannot be explained.
• Vomiting.

Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of colorectal cancer – no matter what your age – and insist that he/she rule out colorectal cancer.

How can I get a Cover Your Butt t-shirt?

You can order Cover Your Butt t-shirts and baseball shirts (along with other colorectal cancer awareness gear) at C3’s online store.