​Nobody wants to talk about colon cancer

While it’s far from a favorite topic of conversation, talking about colon cancer is a lot easier knowing it can be caught early and treated with regular screenings.

Colon cancer kills more than 50,000 people in the U.S. every year. And yet, if found early, it’s one of the most treatable forms of cancer. The best way to find colon cancer early is through screening – which is covered as preventive care by most of our health plans.

Screening for colon cancer doesn’t have to mean a colonoscopy

If the thought of a colonoscopy makes you hesitant to schedule an appointment, you have options. Speak with your doctor about an at-home test or a sigmoidoscopy, which is a less invasive form of screening than a colonoscopy. Getting screened is most important; find the option that works best for you.

The CDC* recommends you start screening at age 45

If colon cancer runs in your family or if you have inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent screening.

If you’re 45 or older and have never been screened, especially if any of your relatives have had cancer, make it a priority to talk with your doctor soon.

Five things everyone should know about colon cancer

1. It’s the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.*
2. If you have a colon, you can get colon cancer.
3. It’s one of the most treatable forms of cancer if found early.*
4. Regular screening is the best way to find colon cancer.*
5. Most health plans cover colon cancer screening as preventive care.

*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

We’re here to help

If you have any questions about your plan’s coverage or need help finding care, sign in to your account at regence.com and use the Chat feature, or call us using the number on your member ID card.