Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and its rates are rising in people under the age of 50, according to the American Cancer Society. 

Fortunately, colorectal cancer is highly preventable and treatable when it is caught early by a screening. Here are some things you should know about colorectal cancer, when you should get screened, and what screening options are available. 

What is colorectal cancer?
Most colorectal cancers start as a growth, or polyp, on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Polyps are common as people get older and many are non-cancerous, but some can turn into cancer. Colorectal cancer usually develops slowly over a period of 10 to 15 years. 

Why should you get screened?
When detected early, colorectal cancer is a highly preventable and treatable condition. There are often no symptoms of colorectal cancer. When symptoms do start to present, they may not appear until the cancer is more advanced. That’s why it’s critical to get regular preventive screenings. 

When should you start getting screened?
Your primary care provider can help you determine when you should start getting screened for colorectal cancer.  Most people with an average risk should start screening at age 45. For higher risk individuals, such as people with a family history of colon cancer, it may be appropriate to begin screenings earlier. 

What types of screenings are available?
There are a variety of options available for colorectal cancer screening. Talk to your primary care provider about what screening is right for you. 

• At-home screening (FIT Kit)
  A fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is performed from the comfort and privacy of your home. The FIT involves collecting a stool sample and sending it to a lab for analysis. For many individuals at average risk, an annual FIT can serve as a simple alternative to a colonoscopy.

• Colonoscopy
  A colonoscopy is an examination of the entire colon by a gastroenterologist. This procedure involves some preparation on the part of the patient, and gentle sedation is often used. For individuals with average risk, a colonoscopy is generally appropriate every 10 years starting at age 45. 

Your doctor can help you determine what screening option and what frequency is right for you depending on your level of risk and other factors. 

Do health plans cover colorectal cancer screening?
Starting at age 45, colorectal cancer screenings are fully covered by your Premera health plan. When you see an in-network healthcare provider, there should be no out-of-pocket cost associated with the procedure.  

For individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, earlier or more frequent screenings may be covered by your plan. Some at-home colorectal cancer screening options may be only partially covered by your health plan. 

To get more details and ensure you understand what screenings are covered by your plan, contact customer service by calling the number on the back of your Premera health plan ID card. 

Schedule Your Screening Today
If you’re due—or overdue—for your colorectal cancer screening, contact your primary care provider today. They can recommend what type of screening is right for you and should be able to refer you to a gastroenterologist if a colonoscopy is the right screening option for you.  

For more information on colorectal cancer screenings, visit Premera’s colorectal cancer screening page.